Lymphatic System and Immunity
what is cisterna
An enlarged pouchlike structure at the start of the thoracic duct that serves as a storage area for purified lymph before this lymph returns to the bloodstream. It also receives chyle from the intestinal lacteals.
what is Immunity
The ability to resist an infection. It is achieved through the presence of antibodies to that disease in a person's system.
what is Lymph
A thin, watery fluid composed of intercellular, or interstitial, fluid, which forms when plasma diffuses into tissue spaces. When this fluid enters the lymphatic system, it is known as lymph.
what is lymph nodes
Small, round, or oval masses, popularly called "glands," that are located all over the body, usually in groups or clusters. They filter the lymph and remove impurities such as carbon, cancer cells, pathogens, and dead blood cells.
what is lymphatic system
A system that consists of lymph, lymph vessels, lymph nodes, and lymphatic tissue. It works in conjunction with the circulatory system to remove wastes and excess fluids from the tissues and impacts our immunity.
what is lymphatic vessels
Vessels located throughout the body in almost all of the tissues that have blood vessels. They join together from capillaries and pass through the lymph nodes. right lymphatic duct The short tube that receives all of the purified lymph from the right side of the head and neck, the right chest, and the right arm. It empties into the right subclavian vein, returning the purified lymph to the blood.
what is Spleen
An organ located beneath the left side of the diaphragm and in back of the upper part of the stomach. It produces leukocytes and antibodies, destroys old erythrocytes (red blood cells), stores erythrocytes, destroys thrombocytes (platelets), and filters metabolites and wastes from body tissues.
what is thoracic duct
A much larger tube than the right lymphatic duct that drains the lymph from the rest of the body. It empties into the left subclavian vein.
what is Thymus
A mass of lymph tissue located in the center of the upper chest. During early life, it produces antibodies and manufactures lymphocytes to fight infection. It atrophies (wastes away) after puberty.
what is Tonsils
Masses of lymphatic tissue that filter interstitial fluid. The three pairs are the Palatine, Pharyngeal (also called adenoids), and Lingual tonsils.