Lymphatic System and Immunity

21/04/2013

Lymphatic System & Immunity

Manuel Desco
Dept. Bioingeniería

Principles of Human Anatomy and Physiology, 11e

Anatomy and Physiology I

1

INTRODUCTION
 The ability to ward off the pathogens that produce disease is called resistance
– Lack of resistance is called susceptibility

 Resistance to disease can be grouped into two broad areas
– Nonspecific resistance: general defensive mechanisms effective on a wide range of pathogens
– Immunity: activation of specific lymphocytes that combat a particular pathogen or other foreign substance
• cell-mediated immunity
• antibody-mediated immunity

 The body system that carries out immune responses is the lymphatic system

Principles of Human Anatomy and Physiology, 11e

Anatomy and Physiology I

2

1

21/04/2013

LYMPHATIC SYSTEM STRUCTURE AND
FUNCTION
 Lymphatic system:
– Lymph: similar to interstitial
– Lymphatic vessels:
• capillaries vessels nodes trunks  subclavian veins

– Organs involved
– (specialized reticular tissue containing large numbers of lymphocytes) •
•
•
•
•

red bone marrow thymus spleen lymph nodes diffuse lymphatic tissue
– tonsils, adenoids & peyers patches

Principles of Human Anatomy and Physiology, 11e

Anatomy and Physiology I

3

Anatomy and Physiology I

4

Lymphatic System

Principles of Human Anatomy and Physiology, 11e

2

21/04/2013

Lymphatic Vessels & Circulation
 Closed-ended lymphatic capillaries in spaces between cells
– All body except avascular tissue
• (cartilage, epidermis & cornea)

 Combine to form lymphatic vessels
– anchoring filaments keep tube from collapsing under outside pressure
– overlapping endothelial cells open when tissue pressure is high (valves)
– Respiratory and muscular pumps

 In the GI (lacteal) transport digested fats from the small intestine into blood
Principles of Human Anatomy and Physiology, 11e

Anatomy and Physiology I

5

Lymph