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How does the lymphatic system contribute to immune surveillance?
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The lymphatic system contributes to immune surveillance by facilitating the movement and filtration of lymph, which contains immune cells that monitor and respond to pathogens.
What are natural killer cells and what role do they play in innate immunity?
Natural killer cells are a type of lymphocyte that attacks cancerous and virus-infected cells as part of the body's innate immunity.
What are the five classes of antibodies, and what role do they play?
The five classes of antibodies are IgM, IgA, IgD, IgG, and IgE, which neutralize pathogens, clump them together, and mark them for destruction.
How do lymph nodes function within the lymphatic system?
Lymph nodes act as checkpoints that filter lymph and house immune cells like B cells, T cells, and macrophages.
Describe the function of helper T cells in cellular immunity.
Helper T cells activate B cells and cytotoxic T cells, orchestrating a coordinated immune response to infected or cancerous cells.
Name and describe two autoimmune diseases.
Multiple Sclerosis, where the immune system attacks nerve coverings, and Rheumatoid Arthritis, where it targets joints, are examples of autoimmune diseases.
What is the function of the thymus in the immune system?
The thymus matures T cells and produces the hormone thymosin, which is crucial for immune function.
Describe the role of the spleen in the lymphatic system.
The spleen cleans worn-out red blood cells and serves as a reservoir for blood.
What are the primary functions of the lymphatic system?
Absorbs excess interstitial fluid and returns it to circulation, and cleanses the lymph.
How do allergies manifest in the immune system?
Allergies are an exaggerated immune response to harmless substances, which typically involve mast cells and IgE antibodies.
Explain how lymph is moved through the body.
Lymph is moved through the body by skeletal muscle contractions, respiratory movements, and valves in the lymphatic vessels, similar to venous blood movement.
What is the correlation between HIV and immunodeficiency?
HIV targets and destroys helper T cells, leading to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), which weakens the immune system.
How does the inflammatory response protect the body?
The inflammatory response increases blood flow and vessel permeability, allowing immune cells to infiltrate the affected tissue and eliminate pathogens.
Explain the function of Peyer's patches in the immune system.
Peyer's patches monitor intestinal bacteria and pathogens, playing a crucial role in gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT).
What distinguishes adaptive immunity from innate immunity?
Adaptive immunity is specific to particular pathogens and involves a memory component, whereas innate immunity provides a non-specific, general defense.
How do B cells contribute to humoral immunity?
B cells produce antibodies that neutralize pathogens and memory B cells that facilitate quicker responses to future infections.
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