Cardiovascular System—Part III: The Lymphatic and Immune Systems
Learning Objectives
When completing this chapter, the learner will be able to do the following:
- Identify the anatomy of the immune and lymphatic systems
- Describe the main functions of the immune and lymphatic systems
- Spell terms relating to the immune and lymphatic systems and use correct abbreviations
- Pronounce terms relating to the immune and lymphatic systems and use correct abbreviations
- Identify the medical specialties associated with the immune and lymphatic systems
- Explore common diseases, disorders, and procedures related to the immune and lymphatic systems
Introduction to the Lymphatic and Immune Systems
The lymphatic system is a series of vessels, ducts, and trunks that remove interstitial fluid from the tissues and return it to the blood. The lymphatic vessels are also used to transport dietary lipids and cells of the immune system. Cells of the immune system, lymphocytes, all come from the hematopoietic system of the bone marrow. Primary lymphoid organs, the bone marrow and thymus gland, are the locations where lymphocytes proliferate and mature. Secondary lymphoid organs are the site in which mature lymphocytes congregate to mount immune responses. Many immune system cells use the lymphatic and circulatory systems for transport throughout the body to search for and then protect against pathogens.
Watch this video:
Media 10.1 Lymphatic System: Crash Course A&P #44 [Online video]. Copyright 2015 by CrashCourse.
