The Lymphatic System and Immune Response Reveiwer Sheet I Anatomy and Physiology

The text discusses the lymphatic system and immune response. Regarding the lymphatic system, key points include: • The lymphatic system is a one-way system that lacks arteries and begins with blind-ended lymph capillaries, whereas the blood vascular system is two-way. • Lymphatic vessels resemble veins as they are thin walled and have valves. Lymph capillaries differ in that they are more permeable and blind ended. • The lymphatic vessels function to pick up and return excess tissue fluid and leaked proteins to the blood vascular system. • Lymph consists of leaked plasma but contains fewer proteins. The flow of lymph is aided by muscle contractions and pressure changes in the thorax. • The thoracic duct is the terminal duct that drains most of the body. The cisterna chyli receives lymph from the digestive viscera. Regarding the immune response, key points include: B cells produce antibodies upon antigen challenge, while T cells mount cell-mediated immunity to attack infected cells. Important terms are also defined, and lymph nodes, spleen and tonsils are described as lymphoid tissue containing macrophages and lymphocytes. Antigens and antibodies are distinguished, and antibody structure and function are discussed.