The Lymphatic System

The Lymphatic System

Part 4: Regulation & Maintenance

Lymphatic System

Lymphatic System: Provides the body with a defense mechanism against foreign invaders. Most interstitial fluid surrounding the capillary beds is

reabsorbed into the capillaries - the lymphatic ducts picks up the remaining interstitial.

Pathogens are filtered out through the lymph nodes. Lymph nodes contain concentrations of lymphocytes

& macrophages to respond with to the pathogens.

Lymph: The clear fluid in the lymphatic vessels. Subclavian Veins return the lymph into the

heart.

The Lymphatic System

Major Functions of the Lymphatic System: Draining excess fluid from tissues to be

returned to the bloodstream. Transporting lipids & vitamins reabsorbed in

the gastrointestinal tract to the bloodstream. Activating the body’s immune response to

pathogens.

Lymphatic Anatomy

Lymph: Clear fluid within the lymphatic vessels that has been reabsorbed from the interstitial fluid.

Lymphatic Vessels: The vessel system that provides transportation for the lymph. Lymphatic Capillaries: The start of the lymphatic system –

endothelial cells that are closed at one end & have flaps that work as valves.

These allow fluid & large proteins & foreign bodies to enter. Lacteals: Lymphatic capillaries in the small intestine that specialize

in transporting lipids. Lymphatic Vessels: Structured in the same 3 layers as the

blood vessels, but with thinner walls & more valves. Lymph Nodes: Bean-shaped structures positioned at regular

intervals along the lymphatic vessel routes. Approximately 600 total in the lymphatic system.

Lymphatic Path

Lymphatic capillaries collecting lymphatic vessels lymph nodes more collecting vessels six lymphatic trunks two final collecting ducts subclavian veins.

Lymphatic Trunks

Lymph Trunks: Larger lymphatic vessels that occur when vessels merge/unite. 5 major trunks!Lumbar Trunk Intestinal TrunkBroncho-Mediastinal TrunkSubclavian TrunkJugular Trunk

Lymphatic

Lymphatic Ducts: Trunks drain into one of two main ducts.. Thoracic Duct aka Left Lymphatic Duct: Drains all

parts of the body below the diaphragm and on the left side of the body (left arm, left side of head, etc) & empties into the left subclavian vein.

Cisterna Chyli: The prominent sac in the abdominal cavity that begins the thoracic duct.

Right Thoracic Duct: Drains the right upper extremity, the right part of the ehad & neck, and the right area of the thoracic region & empties into the right subclavian vein.

Lymphatic Nodes

Lymph Nodes: Bean-shaped structures positioned at regular intervals along the lymphatic vessel routes. Designed to filter the lymph fluid.The most prolific & important organ in the

lymphatic system. Embedded in the connective tissue

throughout the body. Most concentrated in the cervical, axillary,

abdominal, pelvic & thoracic regions.

Lymphatic Nodes

Capsule: Layers of connective tissue that cover the lymph node.

Trabeculae: Extensions that divide the node into compartments & provide support & a network for blood vessels to travel along.

Cortex: Outer layer of the lymph node. The outer area is responsible for collecting the B-

lymphocytes or B-cells. The inner area is responsible for collecting T-cells.

Medulla: The inner part of the lymph node that holds a concentration of macrophages, in addition to B cells & plasma cells.

Lymphatic Nodes

Afferent Lymphatic Vessels: Structure that lymph enters the node through and directs the lymph inward toward the sinuses.

Sinuses: The portion of the lymph node where most of the filtering takes place.

Efferent Lymphatic Vessels: Structures that leave the node at the hilum. Hilum: A small depression where the efferent

lymphatic vessels leave the lymph node.

Lymphatic Nodes

Lymphatic Nodules: Masses of lymphatic tissue that lack the capsule. Found in mucous membranes of the

gastrointestinal, urinary, & reproductive tracts. Found in the respiratory airways. Tonsils: The lymphatic nodules located at the

entrance to the pharynx that are placed to deal with ingested & inhaled foreign particles & pathogens. Palatine, lingual, & pharyngeal tonsils located in that area.

Thymus

Thymus: A two lobed lymph organ located between the lungs in front of the aorta. Most often active in childhood & has both a lymphatic

& endocrine function. Secretes hormones critical for maturation of the T-

cells. Lobules: The divisions of the thymus, each

made up of a cortex & medulla. Cortex: The outer layer of the lobules that has a high

T-cell concentration, some dendritic cells, & a few epithelial cells.

Meduulla: The inner layer that contains epithelial cells, T-cells, dendritic cells, and macrophages.

Spleen

Spleen: The largest mass of lymphatic tissue in the body, located in the hypochondriac region of the abdomen. Composed of a capsule & extending trabiculae.

Two kinds of tissue in the spleen: White Pulp: Composed mostly of lymphocytes &

macrophages. Red Pulp: Composed of blood-filled sinuses &

Billroth’s cords or splenic cords (cords of splenic tissue).

Spleen

Primary functions of the Spleen: Reservoir for bloodPlace for destroying old red blood cellsFilter for the bloodCreation of blood cells during fetal

development Ruptured Spleen: A common physical

injury that typically results in hemorrhage & can put the patient at risk for sepsis (blood infection).

Immune Response

Immune Responses: The defensive actions our body takes to respond to foreign invaders. Nonspecific or Innate Defenses: Defenses

that are innate & not geared toward specific pathogens. A generic response!

Immunity: The defense system where lymphocytes target & destroy specific pathogens. A learned response!

Immune Response

First Line of Defense: The first steps our body takes to defend against foreign invaders. Epidermis: Keratinized cells form many

layers that very few pathogens can infiltrate. Mucous Membranes: Epithelial layers lining

body cavities secrete mucus to trap microbes & contains protective chemicals.

Immune Response

Mucous membranes in the nose have hairs that filter microbes from the air.

Mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract contain cilia to trap microbes & propel them back up the airway & out of the body.

Lacrimal apparatus of the eye contains lysozyme which clears the eyes of pollutants & microbes.

Saliva can wash microbes from the teeth & mouth. Sebum created by the sebaceous glands of the skin

prevent the growth of some bacteria. Stomach acid, lysozome enzymes in perspiration, and

avid in the vagina deter pathogens. Hyaluronic acid, found in connective tissue, inhibits the

spred of pathogens in that tissue.

Immune Response

Second Line of Defense: The body’s internal defenses that take over if a pathogen gets through the first line of defense.LeukocytesMacrophagesAntimicrobial Proteins

Immune Response

Leukocytes: 5 major categories. Neutrophils: Phagocytic cells that wander throughout

the connective tissue destroying bacterias. Eosinophils: Phagocytic cells that destroy allergens,

antigen & anti-body complexes, & some inflammatory chemicals.

Surround larger parasites & attack them with enzymes to weaken or destroy them.

Defend against allergies & parasitic worm infections.

Basophils: Helper cells that secrete vasodilators & anticoagulants in order to speed other leukocytes to the infected zone.

Immune Response

Lymphocytes: A variety of cells active in the immune response.

Natural Killer Cells (NK Cells): Attack any cell with an unusual plasma membrane, such as cells that are infected by a virus or have become cancerous.

Cytolysis: Perforin protein is injected into the cell to cause it to “explode”.

Granzymes: Cause the cell to self-destruct. Found in the spleen, red bone marrow, & lymph nodes.

Monocytes: Wandering cells that eventually turn into macrophages.

Immune Response

Phagocytosis: The process of an immune response cell “eating” a foreign invader. 5 steps: Chemotaxis: Phagocytic cells are attracted to the site

of damage via a chemical response. Adherence: Occurs when the phagocytic cells attach

to the microbe. Ingestion: Extends the pseudopods to engulf the

microbe. Digestion: The microbe is dissolved through toxic

chemicals (including hydrogen peroxide!) in an oxidative burst.

Killing: The microbe is destroyed & the phagocytic cell typically dies as well.

Apoptosis: The normal death of a cell.

Immune Response

Macrophages: Two categories of cells that “eat: foreign invaders or damaged cells. Fixed Macrophages: Non-motile cells that are found

in a particular tissue where they permanently stand guard.

Wandering Macrophages: Motile cells that roam through the body looking for foreign invaders.

Include histiocytes in connective tissue, reticular cells in the liver, microglia in the nervous system, and the alveolar microphages in the lungs.

Immune Response

Antimicrobial Proteins: Found in the blood and intestinal fluid to prevent infection. 3 types Interferons (IFNs): Polypeptides secreted by cells that have

been invaded by a virus. Travel to adjacent cells & stimulate the production of anti-viral

proteins. Activate natural killer cells & macrophages & aid in the destruction

of cancerous cells. Transferrins: Can bind to & reduce the amount of iron available

in bacteria, which can inhibit the spread of certain bacteria. Complement System: Group of twenty plus beta gobulins

(proteins in the blood plasma) that enhance the immune, allergic, & inflammatory reactions.

Optimization: Where the complement system chemically coats the surface of bacteria which in tern makes them easier to phagocytize.

Inflammation

Inflammation: One of the body’s most common responses to tissue damage. Occurs in roughly the same way in any tissue.

Four Cardinal signs of Inflammation: RednessSwellingHeatPain

Inflammation

3 Stages of Inflammation: Vasodilation of Blood Vessels: Increases blood

flow & increases the permeability of capillaries. Prompted by histamines & kinins. Capillary dilation is the cause of redness.

Emigration (Movement) of Phagocytes: Phagocytes move to effected areas to remove dead cells & toxins.

Basophils secrete leukotrienes to increase this reaction. Leukocytosis: The sudden increase of white blood cells

migrating to the area. Repair of Damaged Tissues: The tissues repaire

itself. Platelet Derived Growth Factor (PDGF): Prompts

fibroblasts to multiply faster & speed up tissue repair.

Fever

Fever: An increase in body temperature often due to the interaction of bacteria & macrophages. Interleukin-1: Released by macrophages, which

triggers prostaglandin E to be secreted by the hypothalamus, which increases the body’s internal thermostat.

Positive Effects: Promotes interferon activity, speeds up metabolism & other processes that aid in repair, slows down the growth of some bacteria & viruses.

Negative Effects: Cellular dysfunction & brain damage possible if the fever gets too high.

Immune System

Immune System: A combination of cells designed to recognize specific foreign substances & neutralize or destroy them.

Specific Immune Defenses: The cells are specifically geared toward fighting certain invaders, and remembers previous foreign invaders so that they can be rapidly eliminated in the future.

Immune System

Two Divisions of the Immune System:Humoral Immunity aka Antibody-Mediated

Immunity: Involves antibodies which bind to foreign substances like toxins & bacteria to “tag” or mark them for destruction. Driven by T cells & B cells.

Cellular Immunity: Cell-mediated immunity which includes the actions of lymphocytes that attack foreign cells or cells infected with cancer, viruses, or parasites. Driven by T cells.

Antigens

Antigen (Ag): Any substance recognized as foreign to the body & triggering an immune response. Typically large molecules, often proteins.

Two defining characteristics: Immunogenicity: Stimulate the immune

system to produce specific antibodies. Reactivity: An antigen will react with the

appropriate antibody once it is produced.

Antigens

Epitope: The part of a molecule that initiates an immune response. The antigen could be an entire microbe. Typically it is just a portion of the microbe or a specific

chemical or toxin component. Antigens can include blood cells of a different type,

pollen, egg whites, etc. Haptens: Smaller substances that can cause

reactivity, but not full immunogenicity. Stimulate an immune response only if attached to a

larger carrier molecule. Example: Toxin in poison ivy, which only triggers a

response when bound to particular proteins in the body.

Antigen Processing

Antigen Processing: The means by which the body recognizes that a foreign antigen is present. Differs depending on whether the antigen is inside or

outside the body cell, which determines if the body engages in cellular or humoral immunity responses.

Major Histocompatability Complex (MHC): “Self-antigens” that are unique to all of your body cells except red blood cells. Help T-cells recognize which cells are foreign. MHC-1s: Cells that posses MHC and are labeled

“you” by the T-cells.

Antigen Processing

Two types of antigens: Exogenous Antigens: Those found outside of the

body cells that include bacteria, parasitic worms, pollens & viruses that have not yet infected body cells.

Antigen-Presenting Cells (APCs): Macrophages & B-cells that phagocytize the antigen, then display the resulting peptide fragments on the plasma membrane to trigger T-cells (called MCH-2’s).

Endogenous Antigens: Those found inside the body cells and are either viral proteins produced by a virus-infected cell or a cancerous cell.

Most cells with endogenous antigens process them & display them on their cell membranes to signal the immune system for help.

Cellular Immunity

Cellular Immunity: Lymphocytes directly attack & destroy foreign cells & infected host cells. Begins with activation of T-Cells or T-

lymphocytes by a specific antigen. Millions of T-cells, each with its own T-cell

receptor to recognize a specific antigen. Roughly 75% of the lymphocytes in the body.

Cellular Immunity

Types of T-Cells involved in Cell-mediated Response: Cytotoxic T-Cells: Responsible for actual

attacking of the foreign body or infected cell. Helper T-Cells: Stimulate other helper T-

cells, cytotoxic T-cells, and B cells. Suppressor T-Cells: Help regulate the attack

& prevent tissue destruction. Memory T-Cells: Remain as an immune

response and stimulate faster responses if the same antigen invades again.

Cellular Immunity

Three stages of the Cell Mediated Response: Recognition: Helper and cytotoxic T-cells

patrol the body, examining the MHC of other cells.

T-cell receptors recognize & bind to the antigen – the first signal.

Costimulation: The need for a second signal of cytokines (Interleukin-2) provided by the helper T-cells.

Cloning: Activated T-Cell then proliferates & differentiates to create a population of clones.

Cellular Immunity

Attack: Helper t-cells secrete lymphokines to prompt inflammation & attract neutrophils.

Cytotoxic T-cells actually attach to the foreign or diseased cell to destroy it.

Apoptosis: Cytotoxic t-cells bind to the target cell & digest it – granzymes digest the protein of the cell & cause it to break apart. Released microbes are then phagocytized.

Cytolysis: Cytotoxic T-cells bind to the infected cell, release perforin to create holes in the plasma membrane, which causes the cell to burst. Granulysis released by the t-cells destroy the microbes.

Lymphotoxin: Toxic molecules released by the T-cells which cause the DNA of target cells to fragment, destroying the cell.

Suppressor T0cells release lymphokines to inhibit T & B cell activity & prevent damage to healthy tissue.

Cellular Immunity

Memory: After the first exposure & resulting response, some T-cells become memory cells and “memorize” the foreign invader.

T-Cell Recall Response: The second exposure to the same antigen triggers a faster & more effective response thanks to the memory T-cells.

Humoral Immunity

Humoral Immunity aka Antibody-Mediated Immunity: Depends on B cells (B-lymphocytes) to produce antibodies (Ab) to engage in a complex purging process.

Immunoglobulins (Igs): Antibodies made up of glycoproteins called globulins. Two heavy (H) chains & two light (L) chains of

polypeptides. Antigen-Binding Site: Tips of each chain are called

variable (V) regions & are areas where the antibody attaches to the antigen.

Humoral Immunity

5 classes of antibodies: IgG: Protect against viruses & bacteria - 80% of antibodies. The

only class that can cross the placenta to react the fetus & provide immunity.

IgA (Secretory antibody): Found in sweat, saliva, mucous, tears, breast milk, & the GI secretions to provide local protection against viruses & bacteria – 15% of antibodies.

Known to decrease in times of stress, which lowers the body’s resistance.

IgM: Found in the blood & lymph 0 cause agglutination & lysis of microbes, serves as an antigen receptor on the surface of B cells – 5% of antibodies.

IgD: Acts as an antigen receptor for and activates B cells – 0.2% of antibodies.

IgE: Protects against allergies & parasitic worms, located on most cells & basophils – less than 1% of antibodies.

Humoral Immunity

Complement System: Plasma proteins produced by the liver that help destroy microbes through cytolysis – activated by the antigen-antibody complexes. Effects: Activation of Inflammation: Some Complement proteins

activate blood flow & histamines, some combat infection & allergies, some chemotactic agents to attract phagocytes.

Opsonization: Makes microbes more susceptible to phagocytosis by C3b binding to the surface of the microbe & then reacting with receptors on the phagocytes.

Cytolysis: Complement proteins combine to form membrane attack complex (MAC) that forms large holes in the microbe’s plasma membrane, resulting in the microbe to uptake fluid too fast and lysing (bursting).

Humoral Immunity

Humoral Immunity Follows 3 General Steps: Recognition: B-cells bind to antigen & engage in

endocytosis of the antigen B-cell receptor complex. Antigen is digested & broken into gragments. Fragments are displayed on the B-cell membrane, which

causes t-cell activation. Helper factors cause B-cells to begin dividing &

differentiating, creating plasma cell clones, which produce & release antibodies.

Attack: Antibodies neutralize antigens, immobilize bacteria, activate complement, enhance phagocytosis of other cells, and causes agglutination & precipitation of antigens.

Causes antigens to cluster together and allows them to be phagocytized easier.

Humoral Immunity

Memory: After the primary immunity response several cloned cells become memory cells that remain for future attacks.

Anamnestic Response: A secondary response within the humoral immunity to a second invasion of the same invader. Typically much faster, more powerful, & more effective.

Antigen Titer: Measure of memory based on the amount of antigen serum present.

Primary Response: Antigen titer should be zero for the first several days, but will slowly rise through IgM first then IgG followed by a gradual decline as the pathogen dies off.

Secondary Response: Antigen titer consists of mainly IgG antibodies during the primary response, and is more intense.

Types of Immunity

Active Immunity: You encountered the pathogen yourself and developed your own antibodies to it.

Passive Immunity: You received antibodies directly introduced into the body.

Naturally Acquired: Antibodies are received through natural means.

Artificially Aquired: Antibodies are received through artificial (scientific) methods.

Types of Immunity

Naturally Acquired Passive Immunity: IgG antibodies are transferred from mother to fetus through the placenta or through breast feeding.

Naturally Acquired Active Immunity: The pathogen is encountered, T-cells and B-cells recognize the antigen, and antibodies are formed through cell-mediated immunity.

Artificially Acquired Passive Immunity: Antibodies are acquired through direct injection into the system.

Artificially Acquired Active Immunity: Antigens are introduced through vaccines that stimulate the immune system to create memory cells. Vaccines are immunogenic, not pathogenic – unless it is a

partially-killed (still alive!) virus, you cannot get sick from the vaccine itself!

Immune System Disorders

Hypersensitivity: When the immune system reacts to a substance that is normally not reacted to. Allergens: The substance being reacted to.


4 Types of Hypersensitivity: Type 1: Acute or Anaphylactic Reactions: The

most common reaction – caused by mast cells and basophiles reacting to allergens.

Common Symptoms: Inflammation, edema, mucus production, congestion, cramps, vometing, diarrhea.

Can cause… airway constrictions, weakened contractions of the heart muscles.

Treatment: Epinephrine injections, Benadryl, respiratory support.

Common Causes: Bee stings, latex, antibiotics, certain chemicals, etc.


Type 2: Cytotoxic Reactions: caused by antibodies attacking a person’s own blood or tissue cells.

Symptoms: Destruction of the cells via cytolysis. Common cause: Incompatible blood transfusions.

Type 3: Immunne-Complex Reactions: Caused when immune complexes avoid phagocytosis & become trapped in the endothelium of blood vessels.

Symptoms: Inglammation. Common Example: Rheumatoid Arthritis


Type 4: Delayed Hypersensitive Reaction: Occur when the antigen presenting cells travel from lymph node to lymph node & display the allergen to helper T cells, which then migrate to the site of allergen entry to cause inflammation.

Symptoms: Inflammation & rashes Common Cause: Poison ivy, poison oak,

Tuberculosis titer test.


Autoimmune Disease: Marked by failure of the immune system to properly distinguish the body’s own cells from foreign antigens. Results: Immune system produces antibodies

that attack antigens & the body’s own tissues. 5% of adults in the US have autoimmune

disease.


T-cells: Must have TWO traits to function properly….Self-Recognition: The ability to recognize the

body’s own major histocompatability complex (MHC) proteins – you must recognize your own cells!

Self-Tollerance: Lack of reactivity to peptide fragments from your own proteins – don’t attack your own cells!


Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Disease (SCID): Congenital disorder where B & T cells are deficient. Leaves children highly susceptible to infections so

they must live in protective enclosures. Can be cured via red bone marrow cells with very

similar MCH antigens. Can provide normal stem cells to give rise to normal B & T

cells. Can also be treated with gene therapy of good

copies of the defective cells with treatments every few months for life.

Fortunately VERY rare!


Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS): Immunodificiency disease caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV is a retrovirus that carries genetic information on its RNA

instead of DN. Infects cells, replicates via RNA, & causes the infected cell to

reproduce viral cells through cell division. Primarily targets helper T-cells. Transmitted through exchange of blood & some bodily fluids.

HIV & AIDS are typically the cause of immune compromization that leads to death from opportunistic infections.

HIV has reached epidemic proportions & has claimed over 20,000,000 lives so far.

Documents

The Lymphatic System