Lymphatic System EQ: How does the lymphatic system destroy pathogens that enter our body?

Root Words

Pathogens Any foreign molecules that enter the body: Particles, viruses, bacteria, pollen, etc.

Lymphatic System Part of the immune system and helps destroy pathogens that enter the body Works with circulatory system, moving white blood cells around

Uses fluid from digestive and circulatory system to filter out dead cells, viruses, bacteria. After filtering, it returns the fluid

Lymphatic Pathway System of capillaries and tubes that run through the body and filter bodily fluids

Lymph Fluid, similar to plasma, that runs through the lymphatic pathways, filtering and transporting

Lymph nodes trap and remove pathogens from the lymph as it flows through. Similar to a check point Lymph nodes store Leukocytes to destroy pathogens

When you have an infection, your body produces more white blood cells, which gather in the lymph nodes This causes lymph nodes to swell.

Lymphocytes Specific white blood cells that destroy pathogens in the lymphatic system

Spleen Organ that recycles old red blood cells and produces lymphocytes Also stores blood and platelets.

Tonsils Cluster of lymph tissue in your throat that protects against pathogens that enter your nose and mouth. Your body can function without tonsils

Mechanical Barriers Skin, mucous membranes in organs, hair provide first line of defense.

Chemical Barriers Enzymes, gastric juice, leukocytes, lymphocytes act as second defense after mechanical barriers fail

Inflammation Tissue response to injury or infection. Infected cells release chemical that attract leukocytes to phagocytize pathogens. Result is damaged cells, destroyed bacteria called pus

LEFT SIDE ACTIVITY Draw a body which shows the lymphatic system Label all of the organs and their function of the lymphatic system and the location of the lymph nodes.