HSC 3537 Lecture Notes - Lecture 14: Lymph Node, Lymphatic Vessel, B Cell
Document Summary
Lymph: clear watery fluid that surrounds body cells and flows in a system of lymph vessels throughout the body: originates in blood, rich in lymphocytes and monocytes. Flows through lymph nodes and lymphatic organs (liver, spleen, thymus, and nodes: absorbs lipids in the intestine. Lymph nodes: macrophages phagocytose foreign substances, b lymphocytes (b cells) produce antibodies; mature in the bone marrow, t lymphocytes (t cells) attack bacteria and foreign cells; originate in the thymus gland. Filters microorganisms and other foreign material out of the blood: activates lymphocytes during blood filtration (activated b lymphocytes (b cells) produce antibodies; activated t lymphocytes (t cells) attack foreign materials) Provides immunity in fetal life and in early years of growth: makes cells immunocompetent in early life, early removal from an animal impairs its ability to make antibodies and produce cells to fight antigens. Immune system: leukocytes: neutrophils, monocytes, and macrophages, lymphoid organs: lymph nodes, spleen, thymus gland, tonsils, and adenoids; produce lymphocytes and antibodies.