The Lymphatic and Immunology Systems Resistance is the ability….pdfVIP

The Lymphatic and Immunology Systems • Resistance is the ability to ward off disease – lack of resistance is termed susceptibility • Nonspecific resistance to disease – general defensive mechanisms effective on a wide range of pathogens (disease producing microbes) • Specific resistance or immunity is ability to fight a specific pathogen – cell-mediated immunity – antibody-mediated immunity Lymphatic System • Organs, vessels and a fluid called lymph – similar to interstitial fluid • Organs involved – red bone marrow – thymus – spleen – lymph nodes – diffuse lymphatic tissue • tonsils, adenoids peyers patches Functions of the Lymphatic System • Draining excess interstitial fluid plasma proteins from tissue spaces • Transporting dietary lipids vitamins from GI tract to the blood • Facilitating immune responses – recognize microbes or abnormal cells responding by killing them directly or secreting antibodies that cause their destruction Lymphatic Vessels Circulation • Capillaries that begin as closed-ended tubes found in spaces between cells • Combine to form lymphatic vessels – resemble veins with thin walls more valves • Fluid flows through lymph nodes towards large veins above the heart – lymph emptied into bloodstream Lymphatic Capillaries • Found throughout the body except in Avascular tissue (cartilage, epidermis cornea) • Structure is designed to let tissue fluid in but not out – anchoring filaments keep tube from collapsing under outside pressure – overlapping endothelial cells open when tissue pressure is high (one-way valve) • In GI tract, known as lacteals -- contain chyle