Lymphatic System and Immunity

The lymphatic system composed of lymphatic vessels, lymph fluid, lymph nodes, thymus gland, and spleen. It transports fluid leaving the capillaries to the veins. It includes a network of vessels that circulates fluids. They transport excess fluids from interstitial spaces to the bloodstream. The system also helps defend the body against disease-causing agents. The Lymphatic Vessels prevent backflow of lymph. They have specialized organs called lymph nodes. These nodes are vital in the defense against invasion of microorganisms.
Immunity is where T-Cells attack antigens or antigen-bearing agents directly, providing cell mediated immunity. B-Cells produce antibodies that act agianst specific antigens, allowing for antibody-mediated immunity Antibodies are composed of soluble protiens called immunoglobulins. Three most abundant types:IgG IgA Igm.

Disorders

• Cystic Fibrosis (a genetic disorder that affects the respiratory, digestive and reproductive systems)
• Asthma (difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath, a feeling of tightness in the chest, wheezing and troublesome coughing)
• Crohn disease (chronic disorders that cause inflammation or ulceration in the small and large intestines. )
• autoimmune polyglandular syndrome (a rare autosomal recessive disorder that maps to human chromosome 21)
• Familial Mediterranean fever (an inherited disorder usually characterized by recurrent episodes of fever and peritonitis)
• Immunodeficiency with Hyper-IgM (a rare primary immunodeficiency characterized by the production of normal to increased amounts of IgM antibody of questionable quality and an inability to produce sufficient quantities of IgG and IgA)
• Lymphocytosis (Too many lymphocytes in blood)