Ch. 7.9 Lymphatic System and Immunity
What is Isterna
An enlarged storage structure at the start of the thoracic duct (specifically, the cisterna chyli).
What is lymphatic system
The system that works with the circulatory system to remove wastes and excess fluids from tissues and plays a crucial role in immunity.
What is the thymus
Located in the upper chest, it produces antibodies and manufactures lymphocytes during early life, but naturally atrophies after puberty.
What is immunity
The process by which the body fights infection through the production of antibodies and lymphocytes to combat disease-producing microorganisms.
lymphatic vessels
Structures, including small, open-ended lymphatic capillaries, that pick up lymph and join together to form larger vessels that pass through the lymph nodes.
What are the tonsils
Masses of lymphatic tissue (Palatine, Pharyngeal, Lingual) that are responsible for filtering interstitial fluid.
What are lacteals
Specialized lymphatic capillaries found in the small intestine that pick up digested fats (lipids)
What is the right lymphatic duct
One of the two main lymphatic ducts; it drains the right side of the head, neck, chest, and right arm, emptying into the right subclavian vein.
What is a lymph
A thin, watery fluid composed of intercellular/interstitial fluid, containing water, digested nutrients, salts, hormones, oxygen, and metabolic wastes.
What is the spleen
An organ that produces leukocytes and antibodies, destroys old red blood cells and platelets, stores red blood cells, and filters wastes.
What is a lymph node
Also referred to as "Glands," they are located throughout the body to filter lymph and remove impurities such as carbon, cancer cells, and pathogens. They also produce lymphocytes and antibodies.
What is thoracic duct
The largest lymphatic tube that drains the rest of the body (everything not drained by the right lymphatic duct), emptying into the left subclavian vein.