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AP Module 4 Course Manual
AP Module 4 Course Manual
Module 4
Contents
Contents ....................................................................................................... 2
Course Outline ............................................................................................. 3
Aims & Objectives of the course: ............................................................... 3
Course literature .......................................................................................... 3
Structure of the Course:.............................................................................. 4
Section 1 - The Lymphatic System ............................................................. 6
a. The structure and function of the lymphatic system ............................ 6
b. Lymph nodes and lymph flow ................................................................ 7
c. The role of the Lymphatic system in the body .................................... 11
d. Common Disorders of the Lymphatic System .................................... 13
Section 2 - The Immune System ............................................................... 14
a. The Immune system .............................................................................. 15
b. Non-specific defence mechanisms ...................................................... 15
c. Immunity and immune responses ........................................................ 19
d. Allergic responses ................................................................................ 23
e. Common Disorders of the Immune System ......................................... 24
Section 3 - The Respiratory System ......................................................... 25
a.
Course Outline
The Human Body is an amazing and very complex machine which we all take
for granted! To be a successful therapist it is crucial that you understand how
the body functions normally and what happens when it becomes out of
balance and diseased. Throughout this course you will be introduced to each
body function, given information on how it works, what happens when it
doesnt work and common problems and diseases that can affect it. To
ensure you are assimilating the knowledge there will be regular tests. These
can take the format of multiple choice questions, short answer questions,
longer questions and diagrams to label.
Aims & Objectives of the course:
By the end of the course you will be able:
To provide an introduction to the workings of the human body
To provide an understanding of the anatomical terms associated with
describing the human body
To develop an awareness of the chemistry underlying the functioning of
the human body
To develop an understanding of the organisation of the human body from
cells to systems
To provide a thorough understanding of the normal physiology of the
human body
To develop an awareness of what constitutes a deviation from normal
functioning
To describe symptoms and signs of these deviations
To develop an awareness of how the human body responds to stress
To provide an understanding of the mechanisms by which repair may be
affected
Course literature
In order to complete the course you will need a copy of:
Ross and Wilson Anatomy & Physiology in Health and Illness (11th Edition)
by Anne Waugh & Alison Grant
ISBN: 978-0-7020-3227-1
We will use this for reference purposes during the modules and you may wish
to use it to read more about topics that interest you. I will refer to the book at
the end of each section if there is any further reading required.
There is a list of books that you may want to use for further reading at the end
of each module.
Throughout the course notes you will find the following images:
Image
This gives details of a diagram, image or chart in the Ross &
Wilson book that you need to look at.
Additional Work
This gives details of extra reading you need to undertake in order
to complete the tests and assignments
Media
This gives information about films, slideshows or images you
may find useful
Additional Work
This gives ideas of work to supplement your studies
Module 4 -
Lymph nodules
Lymph nodes
Small amounts of diffuse lymphatic tissue are found in virtually every organ of
the body.
When fluid outside the capillary pushes against the overlapping cells, they
swing slightly inward, like a swinging door that moves in only one direction.
Fluid inside the capillary cannot flow out through these openings.
This diagram showing a section through a lymph capillary shows how the
interstitial fluid surrounding the capillary enters through the overlapping cells.
The arrows represent the direction of flow of the lymph.
Note the internal valve, which allows the lymph to flow in one direction only.
Media
This video gives an overview of the formation of lymph
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rVsonBiBHk
Lymph capillaries branch and interconnect freely and extend into almost all
tissues of the body except the CNS (Central Nervous System) and the
avascular tissues such as the epidermis and the cartilage.
Lymph capillaries join to form larger vessels called lymphatics or lymph veins.
These resemble blood-conducting veins but have thinner walls and relatively
larger lumen, and they have more valves. In the skin, lymphatics are located
in subcutaneous tissue and follow the same paths as veins. In the viscera,
lymphatics generally follow arteries and form plexuses (networks) around
them.
At certain locations lymphatics enter lymph nodes. These are structures that
consist of lymphatic tissue.
As the lymph flows slowly through the lymph sinuses within the tissue of the
lymph node, it is filtered. Macrophages remove bacteria and other foreign
matter as well as debris.
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lymphatic
thoracic duct
lymph node
lymphatic
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Palatine and lingual tonsils--between the mouth and the oral part of the
pharynx.
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Additional Work
Research the disorders of the lymphatic system using textbooks
and the internet
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4. The one-way flow from the kidneys to the bladder also helps reduce the
risk of microbes being transported by the urethras to the bladder.
The inflammatory process
This is the bodys response to tissue damage. Inflammation has a set of
characteristics which occur locally to the damage. It usually takes place when
microbes have passed through the non-specific defence mechanism. The
purpose of inflammation is protective. It achieves this by:
Isolating and inactivating the area
Removing the cause and any damaged tissue
These processes allow healing to take place in the area.
The causes of inflammation are many and varied. Generally it is caused by:
Microbes bacteria, funguses, protozoa and viruses
Physical agents heat, cold, injury and ultraviolet
Chemical agents these can be organic (microbial toxins or organic
poisons) or inorganic (acids and alkalis)
Episodes of inflammation usually are short in duration lasting from a few
hours to a few weeks. They can range in severity from minor to very severe.
Indicators of inflammation include:
Heat
Pain
Redness
Swelling
Loss of function
Most of the processes involved in the inflammatory process are beneficial to
the body for the fact that they remove the harmful agent and set in place the
process required for healing to occur.
The following steps are a normal part of the inflammatory process:
Increased Blood Flow
When injury occurs both the arterioles and capillaries supplying blood to the
site dilate causing an increased blood flow. This occurs as a result of
chemical mediators being released locally from the damaged cells i.e.
serotonin and histamine. Oxygen and nutrients are supplied in increased
quantities to the area to provide for the increased cellular activity which
occurs as part of the inflammatory process. This increase in blood flow
causes increased reddening and temperature in the area, also contributing to
oedema and swelling.
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damaged tissues has the effect of inhibiting the growth and division of
microbes, whilst encouraging the activity of phagocytes.
Pain
Pain associated with inflammation is caused by the swelling compressing the
sensory nerve endings. Chemical mediators that are part of the inflammatory
process may cause the pain to be more acute which increase sensitivity of
the sensory nerve ending to pain stimuli. Pain can help promote healing as it
encourages reduced movement and thus protection of the affected area.
Pus formation (suppuration)
Pus contains dead phagocytes, cells and debris, fibrin, exudates from the
inflammatory process along with living and dead cells. These are contained in
a membrane of new blood capillaries, fibroblasts and phagocytes. Small
amounts of pus result in boils whereas larges amounts result in abscesses
being formed. Pus formation can result in:
Rupturing and discharge of pus followed by healing
Partial rupture followed by the formation of a chronic abscess
Rupture and discharge into adjacent organs
Removal of pus by the phagocytes
Enclosure of the pus by fibrous tissue, creating a source for further
infection
Formation of fibrous adhesions
Inflammation is normally resolved resulting in the area healing with new
healthy tissues with or without the formation of a scar. Occasionally the
inflammation is not resolved and a chronic inflammation results. This can lead
to deep seated abscesses, wound and possibly bone infections.
Media
This video gives an overview of the inflammatory process
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7r94q8Z3CH0&feature=related
Additional Work
Further information on the inflammatory process can be found in
Ross & Wilson pages 367 - 369
Phagocytosis
This is the process when phagocytic defence cells (macrophages and
neutrophils) travel to areas of infection or inflammation. They are attracted by
the chemoattractants released by neutrophils and invading microbes. They
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then trap particles by either engulfing them with their body mass or extending
long pseudopodia towards them and reeling them in. They have the ability to
bind, engulf and digest all foreign particles and cells.
Macrophages form an important link between the non-specific and specific
defence mechanisms. After they have ingested an antigen they take on the
role of antigen-presenting cells. They display their antigen on their cell
surface, stimulating T-lymphocytes and activating the immune response.
Media
This video gives an overview of phagocytosis
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VQU28itVVw
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpNFAEbLcvk&feature=related
Cell-mediated immunity
T-lymphocytes which have been formed by the thymus are free to circulate
within the body. When they encounter an antigen for the first time they
become sensitised to it. If the cell is of a foreign origin it needs to be
presented to the T-lymphocyte. This is done on the surface of the antigenpresenting cell. Macrophages are one of the main types of antigen-presenting
cells. They are apart of the non-specific defences as they engulf, and digest
antigens of any type, as well as taking part in immune responses. In order to
complete this task they first ingest the antigen transporting the most antigenic
fragment in its own cell membrane, displaying it on the surface until it meets
the T-lymphocyte specifically manufactured to deal with the antigen.
If the antigen is classified as an abnormal cell (cancer cell) it also displays
foreign material on its surface which will also stimulate T-lymphocyte activity.
When the antigen is finally present to the T-lymphocyte it stimulates clonal
expansion (division and proliferation). Four main types of T-lymphocyte are
produced against the original antigen:
1. Memory T-cells
These are long living cells which remain in the body long after the initial
episode has ended. They provide cell-mediated immunity which can respond
rapidly to further encounter with the same antigen.
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2. Cytotoxic T-cells
These inactivate any cells carrying antigens by attaching themselves to the
target cell and releasing powerful toxins. Their main role is to destroy
abnormal body cells.
3. Helper T-cells
These are essential for the correct functioning of both cell-mediated and
antibody-mediated immunity. When this type of cells number are diminished
the whole immune system enters a compromised state. Their main functions
include:
The production of cytokines which support and promote cytotoxic Tlymphocytes and macrophages
Producing antibodies in cooperation with B-lymphocytes.
4. Suppressor T-cells
These cells cause a cessation in the production of T- and B- lymphocyte
cells. These prevent potential harm to the immune system.
Media
This video explains cell-mediated immunity
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tBOmG0QMbA
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There is a fine balance in the bodies immune system which does not
normally allow the body to develop immune reactions to its own cells. When
this occurs autoimmune diseases result.
Media
This video explains antibody-mediated immunity
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQmaPwP0KRI
Acquired Immunity
After an antigen has been detected for the first time a primary response
follows. This normally lasts for around 2 weeks. During this time a low level of
antibodies can be detected in the blood. Normally this is sufficient to deal with
the antigen and after this time the levels of antibodies in the blood will fall
unless the antigen is encountered again in the system. A secondary response
occurs when the antigen is encountered again. This elicits a rapid response
by the memory B-cells and a marked increase in the production of antibodies.
Further increases are generally as a result of further encounters until a
maximum is reached. This is the principle used when active immunisation is
used against infectious diseases.
Immunity can be acquired either naturally or artificially with both forms having
an active and passive mechanism. Active immunity results when the body
has been exposed and has reacted to an antigen by producing its own
antibodies resulting in the formation of a long lasting resistance. In passive
immunity the antibodies are provided by a third party. This type of immunity
does not normally result in long tem protection.
Active naturally acquired immunity
The body may be stimulated to form its own antibodies in the following ways:
Being exposed to the disease infection during the time of infection the
body develops B-lymphocytes to overcome the infection
Having a sub-clinical infection this is when the body is exposed to the
antigen but it does not develop into full blown symptoms. This may
however result in the body developing immunity to the antigens
Active artificially acquired immunity
This type of immunity is developed when the body is exposed to either dead,
artificially weakened microbes or deactivated toxins. These can take the form
of vaccines or toxoids which are able to stimulate the development of
immunity in the system but are not able to develop into the full blown disease.
Many infectious diseases can be prevented by artificial immunisation
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d. Allergic responses
An allergy is the term used to describe a powerful immune response which
occurs in the body due to an antigen. The allergen is usually harmless in
nature i.e. dust, pollen or dander. It is the body which causes the damage to
itself and not the allergen. When initial exposure occurs the body becomes
sensitised. When further exposure to the antigen occurs the body creates a
response which is out of proportion to the danger posed by exposure to the
antigen. These reactions can range from runny eyes, swelling and itching
through to anaphylactic shock which can in extreme cases result in death.
Hypersensitivity is classified into 4 categories:
1. Type I anaphylactic hypersensitivity
This generally occurs in individuals who have inherited elevated levels of
immunoglobins E. When exposure to antigens occurs the body reacts by
releasing large levels of mast cells and basophils. Histamine is also released
causing constricture in some smooth tissue. This can lead to
bronchoconstriction and shock. This type of reaction can result in death if not
treated quickly.
2. Type II cytotoxic hypersensitivity
When an antibody and antigen (i.e. bacteria) react together on the surface of
a cell the result is normally that the cell is marked for destruction. This occurs
by one of several processes. However, if the anti-bodies are directed at the
self antigens it results in the destruction of body tissues (auto-immune
disorders). This type of reaction can occur when transfusion or organ
transplants are performed.
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Media
This video briefly summarises allergic reactions
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nudFAzJsTog&feature=related
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Additional Work
Research the disorders of the immune system using textbooks
and the internet. You could also talk to people who suffer
various immune reactions and disorders.
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Chronic
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Asthma
Lung cancer
Emphysema
Rhinitis
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ribs swing down and reduce the volume of the thorax and air is expelled.
Before the cycle begins again there is a slight pause. During this phase, the
air begins to pour into the lungs, which is due to the atmospheric pressure
being greater than the pressure within the lungs. Pressure within the pleural
cavity is lower than atmospheric pressure so the air will flow from higher to
lower pressure, filling the lungs.
The muscles used in respiration are the diaphragm and the intercostals. The
diaphragm, the main muscle of inspiration, is domed-shaped and it separates
the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity. During inspiration the
diaphragm descends and flattens. In expiration the diaphragm relaxes to
return to its dome shape. The intercostal muscles lie within the spaces
between each rib. There are two layers of these muscles called the external
and internal intercostals and their muscle fibres run at right angles to each
other. They are antagonistic, so when the external intercostals are
contracted, the internal intercostals are relaxed and vice versa. The external
layer of muscles contracts with the diaphragm during inspiration. The internal
layer contracts during expiration. As one or other of the layers is always
contracted, the rib cage is prevented from collapsing. The muscles mentioned
above are the ones used during quiet, normal breathing. There are several
other muscles, know as accessory muscles that are used in forced
respiration, for example when you are out of breath. These include the
pectorals, sternocleidomastoid, platysma and the abdominal muscles.
Pulmonary Ventilation
Pulmonary ventilation or breathing is the exchange of gases that occurs
between the lungs and the external environment. This mechanical process is
dependant on the difference of atmospheric air pressure and pressure in the
alveoli. On inhalation increased internal volume occurs along with a reduction
in internal pressure. The diaphragm and intercostals are the muscles
responsible for this process. During this action the diaphragm contracts and
moves downwards, flattening its dome shape and increasing the size of the
chest cavity and reducing the pressure on the lungs. The intercostals also
contract causing the ribs to move upwards and outwards. This action also
lowers the pressure on the lungs whilst increasing the size of the chest cavity.
When the diaphragm and intercostals muscles contract internal pressure is
reduced relative to the atmospheric pressure, thereby causing air to rush into
the lungs. When the diaphragm relaxes, its domed shape returns along with
the intercostals relaxing to bring the ribs down and inwards. This action
results in the size of the chest cavity being reduced causing increased
pressure in the lungs, thus forcing out the air.
Diffusion of gasses
When there is a difference in pressure across a semi-permeable membrane
an exchange of gases will occur. Gases move by a process of diffusion from
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Additional Work
Research the disorders of the respiratory system using
textbooks and the internet. You could also talk to people who
suffer various respiratory system disorders.
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Further Reading
Anderson P D. 2004
Ball J. 2005
Blandine C G. 2004
Anatomy of Movement
Eastland Press
Blakey P. 2008
Cash M 1999
Crawley J L. 2002
Jarmey C. 2008
Kapit W, Macey RI
& Meisami E. 1999
Martin E. 2007
Thibodeau GA &
Patton KT. 2009
Not for reproduction in any form without prior permission of Essentially Holistic
Tortora GJ &
Grabowski SR. 2008:
Werner R. 2009
DVDs
Anatomy for Beginners Dr Gunther von Hagens
This was originally shown on Channel 4 television and shows an autopsy
taking place. Interesting but not for the squeamish!!
***The Books & DVDs Highlighted in Red are particularly recommended***
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