Lymphatic System and Immunity

1. Identify the functions of the lymphatic system. Terms: edema, interstitial fluid, filtration, osmotic pressure, hydrostatic pressure.

2. Describe the structures of the lymphatic system and their arrangement, including locations and functions of the following: lymph capillaries, lymphatic vessels (veins), lymph ducts, lacteals, lymph nodes. Terms: closed end capillaries, minivalves, semilunar valves, chyle cistern, chyle.

3. Describe the mechanisms involved in the collection of the lymph and its movement into the circulation. Terms: lymphokinetic motion, muscular and respiratory "pump", minivalves, semilunar valves, pressure gradient.

4. Compare the structure, location and function of the right lymph duct and the thoracic (left) lymph duct. Term: cisterna chyli.

5. Describe the structure, locations, and functions of lymph nodes. Terms: inguinal nodes, axillary nodes, cervical node, afferent vessels, efferent vessels, germinal centers, cortex, medulla, capsule, trabeculae.

6. Identify the locations and functions of the lymphoid organs and related tissues: spleen, thymus, tonsils, Peyer's patches, GALT (gut associated lymphatic tissue), MALT (mucosa associated lymphatic tissue).

7. Identify the non-specific defense mechanisms. Include: mechanical barriers, chemical barriers, biological factors. Terms: inflammation, chemotaxis, diapedesis, amoeboid movement, pyrogens, interferons, mucus, cilia, lysozyme.

8. Describe the mechanism of inflammation and its importance to body defense. Include: histamine, prostaglandins, leucocytosis-inducing factors, neutrophils, macrophages, edema, margination.

9. Identify and describe mechanisms involved in specific immunity. Include: B-cells, (plasma cells, memory cells), T-cells (cytotoxic, helper, suppressor), complement proteins. Terms: cloning, primary response, secondary response, antigens, antibodies, globulins, IgD, IgM, IgG (gamma), humoral immunity, cell-mediated immunity, lyphokines, cytokines, lymphotoxin, interleukins I and II, membrane attack complex (MAC), antigen recognition, macrophage role.

10. Describe what is meant by immunologic competence and its acquisition. Terms: autoimmunity, tissue rejection, immunologic surveillance, hypersensitivity, major histocompatibility complex (MHC), HLA antigen.

11. Describe the importance of monoclonal antibodies to clinical procedures and assays as well as to disease response.

12. Identify the characteristics of the following and their effects on the immune system: severe combined immune deficiency syndrome (SCIDS), and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS, HIV).


Revised: August 19, 2001