Chapter 14 Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system consists of a group of cells, tissues and organs that generate
immune responses against their own transformed cells and foreign invaders.
It is a network of organs, lymph nodes, lymph ducts, and lymph vessels that make and
move lymph from tissues to the bloodstream. The lymph system is a major part of the
body's immune system.

Lymphocytes are the definitive cells of the lymphatic system, which is responsible for
immune responses in the body.

Tissues and organs of the lymphatic system include: diffuse lymphatic tissues, lymphatic
nodules, lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow and thymus.
There are 2 types of immune response:
1. Nonspecific (innate) immunity: first line defense against microbial
aggression, this includes physical barriers (skin), chemical defense (low pH),
secretory substances (lysozymes, interferons, fibronectin), phagocytic cells
(monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils) and natural killer (NK) cells
2. Specific (adaptive) immunity: gradually acquired and based on contact with
antigen and its presentation to various types of lymphocytes

Specific Immunity has 2 types of responses

1. Humoral immune response: production of antibodies against invading
foreign antigen. Mediated by antibodies produced by B cell and plasma cells.
2. Cellular immune response: targets transformed and virus-infected cells for
destruction by specific killer cells. Mediated by T cells.

Cells of the Lymphatic System

Cells of the immune system include lymphocytes and various supporting cells.
There are 3 types of lymphocytes: T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes and NK cells.

1. T lymphocytes (T cells): T lymphocytes (T cells) are named for the thymus, where
they differentiate. They have a long-life span and are involved in cell-mediated
immunity. They account for the majority of circulating lymphocytes. They account for
60% to 80% of circulating lymphocytes.

2. B lymphocytes (B cells): differentiate in the bursa equivalent organs (bone marrow

and gut-associated lymphatic tissue (GALT) and have B cell receptors. They participate in
humoral immunity and differentiate into antibody-producing plasma cells.
3. Natural Killer lymphocytes (NK cells): Natural killer lymphocytes (NK cells) are neither
T nor B cells. They are specialized to kill certain types of target cells. They are specialized
in killing target cells by releasing perforins and granzymes.

Primary immune response refers to the body’s first encounter with an antigen; it is
delayed by several days and generates mainly IgM antibodies.
Secondary immune response is more rapid and intense than the primary response, it
generates IgG antibodies.

Lymphatic tissues and organs

Diffuse lymphatic tissue in the GI tract, respiratory system and genitourinary tract guard
the body against pathogenic substances, these eventually form lymphatic nodules.

Lymph Nodes
As lymph circulate through the lymphatic vessels, it passes through the lymph nodes,
where trapped antigens are exposed to lymphocytes for activation.

Thymus
The thymus gland, located behind your sternum and between your lungs, is only active
until puberty.
After puberty, the thymus starts to slowly shrink and become replaced by fat.
Thymosin is the hormone of the thymus, and it stimulates the development of disease-
fighting T cells.
Spleen
The spleen is the largest lymphatic organ, which filters blood and reacts immunologically
to blood-borne antigens.

The spleen has 2 functionally and morphologically different regions: white pulp and red
pulp.
White pulp: consists of lymphatic tissue associated with branches of the central
artery. T cells that surround the central artery constitute the periarterial
lymphatic sheath (PALS).
Red pulp: contains large number of erythrocytes, macrophages and other
immune cells.