Lymph is the clear interstitial fluid found between the cells of the body. It enters the lymph vessels by filtration travels to one of the lymph nodes and then to the subclavian vein where it mixes with the blood.

it carries bacteria to the lymph nodes for destruction and it also contains white blood cells (lymphocytes). The lymphatic system is made up of lymphoid tissue (lymph node) and lymphatic vessels.

Organs of the Immune System: The immune system is made up of many different organs and tissues dispersed throughout the body. PRIMARY lymphoid organs are the sites of lymphocyte birth &/ or maturation, SECONDARY lymphoid organs are the sites of mature lymphocyte selection

Primary Lymphoid Tissues: Bone Marrow B cells Thymus T cells

Secondary Lymphoid Tissues: lymph nodes spleen MALT(mucosa associated lymphoid tissue)-Includes Peyer's patches, tonsils, and adenoids.

Terms. Lymphoma: cancer of the the lymphatic cells. Lymphadenectomy: removal of one or more group of lymph nodes usually done in management of cancer.

Lymphadenopathy: refers to any diesase pathology of the lymph nodes. Lymphagiectasis: is when the lymphatic vessels become dilated. It rarely occurs in humans.

Splenomegaly: enlargement of spleen which can be caused by infections, or cancer. Thymoma: benign tumor of the thymus. it can be malignant when the tumor grows beyond the capsule (covering of the gland)

acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS): infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes suppression of the immune system and predisposing the individual to infections.

Mononucleosis: abnormal proliferation of lymphocytes in the blood due to an infection with the Epstein- Barr virus (EBV).

Infectious mononucleosis (“kissing disease”) is a very common illness caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).

Laboratory tests. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA): dectects antibody or antigen in a specimen or blood. It can be used to screen for HIV.

Western blot test: detects antibodies to specific antigens. It is more specific hence used as a confirmatory test for HIV infection.

Treatment procedure. Chemotherapy: uses drugs to kill cancer cells. These drugs kill rapidly dividing cells like cancer cells but also harms normal cells that divide rapidly like hair cells.

Radiotherapy: uses high doses of radiation to target and destroy cancer cells in the body.