LYMPHATIC AND

IMMUNE SYSTEM
Jomar P. Ronquillo, RN
LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
• Includes:
• Lymphocytes
• Lymphatic vessels
• Lymph nodes
• Tonsils
• Spleen
• Thymus gland
LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
• Functions:
• Fluid balance
• Fat absorption
• Defense
Lymphatic Capillaries and Lymph
Vessels
• The lymphatic system, unlike the
circulatory system, does not circulate fluid
to and from tissues.
Lymphatic Capillaries and Lymph
Vessels
• Lymph
• Lymphatic capillaries
Lymphatic Capillaries and Lymph
Vessels
• Lymphatic capillaries are in most tissues of
the body.

• The lymphatic capillaries form larger

lymphatic vessels.

• The lymphatic vessels converge and

eventually empty into the blood at two
locations in the body
Lymphatic Organs
Lymphatic Organs
• Tonsils
• Lymph nodes
• Spleen
• Thymus gland
Lymphatic Organs
• The lymphatic tissue, contains many
lymphocytes and other cells such as
macrophages.

• In addition to cells, lymphatic tissue has

very fine reticular fibers.
Reticular Fibers
Lymphatic Organs:
TONSIL
Lymphatic Organs:
TONSIL
• Three groups of tonsils:
• Palatine
• Pharyngeal
• Lingual
Lymphatic Organs:
TONSIL
Lymphatic Organs:
TONSIL
• The tonsils form a protective ring of
lymphatic tissue around the openings
between the nasal and oral cavities and
the pharynx.
Lymphatic Organs:
LYMPH NODES
Lymphatic Organs:
LYMPH NODES
• Lymph nodes are rounded structures,
varying in size from that of small seeds to
that of shelled almonds.
Lymphatic Organs:
LYMPH NODES
Lymphatic Organs:
LYMPH NODES
• As lymph moves through lymph nodes,
two functions are performed:

• 1. Activation of the immune system

• 2. Removal of microorganisms and foreign
substances
Lymphatic Organs:
SPLEEN
• The spleen is roughly the size of a
clenched fist, located in the left, superior
portion of the abdominal cavity.
Lymphatic Organs:
SPLEEN
• Parts of the spleen:
• Capsule
• Trabeculae
• White pulp
• Red pulp
Lymphatic Organs:
SPLEEN
Lymphatic Organs:
SPLEEN
• The spleen filters blood instead of lymph.

• The spleen also functions as a blood

reservoir, holding a small volume of blood.
The Ruptured Spleen
Lymphatic Organs:
THYMUS
Lymphatic Organs:
THYMUS
• Thymus is a bilobed gland roughly
triangular in shape.
Lymphatic Organs:
THYMUS
Lymphatic Organs:
THYMUS
• Parts of the thymus:
• Capsule
• Trabeculae
• Lobules
• Cortex
• Medulla
Lymphatic Organs:
THYMUS
Lymphatic Organs:
THYMUS
• The thymus functions as a site for the
production and maturation of lymphocytes.
Overview of the Lymphatic
System
Overview of the Lymphatic
System
• Lymphatic capillaries and vessels:
• Remove fluid from tissues and
• Absorb fats in the intestines
• B and T cells
• B cells = Bone Marrow
• T cells = Bone Marrow, Thymus
IMMUNITY
Immunity
• Is the ability to resist damage from foreign
substances and harmful chemicals.

• Categories:
• Innate
• Adaptive
Immunity
• Innate versus adaptive

• ADAPTIVE:
• Specificity
• Memory
Innate Immunity

• Mechanical mechanisms
• Chemical mediators
• Cells
• Inflammatory response
Innate Immunity
• 1. Mechanical Mechanism
Innate Immunity
• 2. Chemical mediators:

• Complement
• Interferons
Innate Immunity

• 3. Cells:
• WBCs and cells derived from WBCs
are the most important component of
immunity.
• Phagocytic cells
• Cells of inflammation
• Natural killer cells
PUS
Innate Immunity
• 4. Inflammatory Response
• The inflammatory response to injury
involves many chemicals and cells.
• Most inflammatory responses are
similar
• Inflammation can be localized or
systemic
Adaptive Immunity
Adaptive Immunity
• Exhibits specificity and memory

• Antigens: Self vs Foreign

• The adaptive immune system response to

antigen was historically divided into 2
parts.
Adaptive Immunity
• Both Humoral and Cell-mediated immunity
involve the acitivities of lymphocytes B and
T cells.
Adaptive Immunity
• ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT OF
LYMPHOCYTES:
Adaptive Immunity
• ACTIVATION AND MULTIPLICATION OF
LYMPHOCYTES:

• For the specialized B or T cells to respond

to antigens and produce an adaptive
response, 2 events must occur:
• Antigen recognition
• Proliferation
Adaptive Immunity:
Antigen Recognition
Adaptive Immunity:
Antigen Recognition
• Lymphocytes have proteins called
antigen receptors on their surfaces.

• B and T cells typically recognize

antigens with the help of antigen-
presenting cells.

• MHC are glycoproteins that have

binding sites for antigens
Adaptive Immunity:
Antigen Recognition
• Costimulation by a second signal is also
required to produce and response from
B or T cells.

• Lymphocytes have other surface

molecules besides MHC molecules that
help bind cells together and stimulate a
response.
Adaptive Immunity:
Lymphocyte Proliferation
Adaptive Immunity:
Lymphocyte Proliferation
• T cells proliferate by producing interleukin-
2 receptors and interleukin-2

• Helper T cells produced in this division can

again be presented with antigen and again
be stimulated to divide.

• It is important for helper T cells to increase

because they are necessary for the
activation of B or T cells.
Antibody-Mediated Immunity
• Antibodies are proteins produced in
response to an antigen.
• Parts of an antibody:
• Variable region
• Constant region
• Antibodies make up a large portion of the
proteins in the plasma.
• Have 5 general classes
Antibody-Mediated Immunity
• Effects of antibodies:
• Direct or indirect

• Antibody production:
• Primary response
• Secondary response
Cell-Mediated Immunity
Cell-Mediated Immunity
• Cell-mediated immunity is the function of
cytotoxic T cells and is most effective
against microorganisms that live inside the
cells of the body.

• Cell mediated immunity is essential for

fighting viral infections.

• Costimulation occurs
Cell-Mediated Immunity
• T cells divide to form more cytotoxic T cells
and memory T cells.

• Cytotoxic T cells have 2 main functions

that accomplish the cell-mediated immune
response:
IMMUNOTHERAPY
IMMUNOTHERAPY
• Immunotherapy treats disease by altering
immune system function or by directly
attacking harmful cells.
• Some immunotherapy takes a more
specific approach.
ACQUIRED IMMUNITY
ACQUIRED IMMUNITY
• Four ways to acquire adaptive immunity:
• Active natural
• Active artificial
• Passive natural
• Passive artificial
Thank You! 