1. The Lymphatic System and Immunity
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2. Explain the structure of the lymphatic system
A. LYMPH –
Straw-colored, similar to plasma
Interstitial fluid-in spaces between cells
Composed of H2O lymphocytes, O2, digested nutrients, etc., but no red cells or protein (too large)
B. LYMPH VESSELS –
Closely parallel veins
Located in almost all tissues and organs that have blood vessels
Thoracic duct – largest lymph vessel

3. Structure cont. C. LYMPH NODES –.
1.Tiny, oval shaped size of a pinhead to size of almond (pea)
2. Located in neck and throughout the body
D. TONSILS-
1.Get smaller as person gets older
2. Located in the throat
3. Adenoids tonsils on upper part of throat.
E. SPLEEN –
1.Sac-like mass of lymphatic tissue
2. The largest organ that is located in the Upper left abdominal cavity just below diaphragm.
F. Thymus gland –
Upper anterior chest above the heart.

4. Analyze the function of the lymphatic system.
Lymph – fluid that goes between capillary blood and tissues.
Carries digested food, O2, and hormones to cells
Carries wastes back to the capillaries for excretion
Since lymphatic system has no pump, skeletal muscle action squeezes lymph along
Lymph in tissues is interstitial fluid.

5. Lymph Vessels
Lymph vessels- transport excess tissue fluid back into circulatory system
1.Valves prevent backward flow
2.Lymph flows in only one direction-from body organs to heart
3. Closely parallel veins
4.Tissue lymph enter small lymph vessels which drain into larger lymph vessels (lymphatics) into two main lymphatics –the thoracic duct and right lymphatic duct

6. Lymph Nodes 1. Produce lymphocytes 2. Filter out harmful bacteria
3. If substance can’t be destroyed, node become inflamed.

7. Tonsils Lymph tissue that produces lymphocytes.
They get smaller as a person gets older

8. Spleen 1. Produce lymphocytes and monocytes 2. Filters blood
3. Blood reservoir- Stores large amounts of RBCs – contracts during vigorous exercise or loss of blood, to release RBC’s
4. Recycles-destroys old or fragile RBC’s

9. Thymus 1. Produces lymphocytes
2. Thymus is also considered an endocrine gland

10. Immunity- the body’s ability to resist disease.
NATURAL IMMUNITY – at birth, inherited and permanent. Includes:
Unbroken skin
Mucus and tears
Blood phagocytes
Local inflammation

11. PASSIVE ACQUIRED IMMUNITY
Body’s reaction to invaders.
PASSIVE ACQUIRED IMMUNITY
From injecting antibodies, only lasts a few weeks

12. Active Acquired immunity
Lasts longer
NATURAL ACQUIRED IMMUNITY – result of having had and recovered from a disease. For example, a child who had measles will usually not get it again – child’s body has manufactured antibodies.
ARTIFICIAL ACQUIRED IMMUNITY comes from being vaccinated
IMMUNIZATION
Antigen injected into a person to stimulate production of antibodies

13. Disorders of the Lymphatic System
TONSILLITIS
In childhood, they may become infected, enlarged,
cause difficulty swallowing
Tonsillectomy in extreme cases
Lymphadenitis generalized enlargement of the lymph nodes (adenitis)
Enlargement of the lymph glands
Occurs when infection is present and body is attempting to fight off the infection.

14. HODGKIN’S DISEASE
Cancer of the lymph nodes,
Painless swelling of lymph nodes is early symptom.
Rx – chemotherapy and radiation
INFECTIOUS MONONUCLEOSIS
1. Caused by virus
2. Frequently in young adults and children
3. Spread by oral contact (kissing)
4. Symptoms – enlarged lymph nodes, fever, physical and mental fatigue,  leukocytes
5. Rx- bedrest

15. Hypersensitivity 1. Abnormal response to a drug or allergen.
2. Antibodies made in response to foreign material ALLERGEN irritate certain body cells
3. Allergen - is an antigen that causes allergic responses. (Examples of allergens – ragweed, penicillin, bee stings, foods, etc.)

16. Anaphylaxis 1. Severe, sometimes fatal allergic reaction
2. Antigen-antibody reaction stimulates a massive secretion of histamine
3. Symptoms – breathing problems, headache, facial swelling, falling blood pressure, stomach cramps, and vomiting
4. Rx – adrenaline
5. Those who have hypersensitivity to bee stings should wear a medic alert bracelet

17. Autoimmune disorders
When a persons own immune system mistakenly targets normal cells, tissues and organs of a person’s body
Lupus Erythematosus-
Combination of symptoms- could be skin, joints, blood clotting.
Severe cases could damage kidney, brain, or lungs.
Treat with anti-inflammatory meds

18. Autoimmune disorder Scleroderma Thickening of skin and blood vessels.
Raynauds disease is usually present
Spasm of blood vessels of finger and toes. Sx include sensitivity to cold
Can result in loss of movement and difficulty breathing.

19. Lymphedema
Condition that results from impaired flow of the lymphatic system.
Sx include swelling in one or more extremities.
No cure for lymphedema, however compression treatments and physical therapy may help reduce the swelling and discomfort.

20. HIV/AIDS 1. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome 2. Caused by HIV
3. Three responses to HIV infection:
a. AIDS – full disorder
b. ARC – AIDS – related complex
c. Asymptomatic infection
4. Screening tests for HIV available.
5. AIDS victim subject to opportunistic infections (cancer, infections) that a healthy person would fight off but AIDS victim has compromised immune response.
6. Incubation period – 1 month to 12 years.

21. AIDS 7. RX and prevention- advances being made.
8. ARC – AIDS- related complex – HIV but not AIDS – less severe symptoms.
9. Transmission
a. Sex with someone HIV positive
b. Sharing needles with infected drug users.
c. At birth from infected mother
10. Cannot be spread by casual contact, coughing, sneezing, shaking hands and sharing eating utensils.
11. Prevention – avoid risky behaviors and observe standard precautions.

22. Standard Precautions Patient care equipment and linens
Guidelines to be used in patient care setting
Must be used when there is contact with blood, any body fluid (except sweat), mucous membranes and non-intact skin.
Handwashing – the single most effective way to prevent infection.
Wash hands after touching body fluids, even if gloves are worn.
Wash hands immediately after removing gloves, between patient contacts.
Use a plain (non-antimicrobial) soap
Wash for a minimum of 10 seconds
Personal protective equipment
Gloves – worn when touching blood, body fluids, etc.
Mask, eye protection, face shield and gown – during patient care activities that may generate splashes or sprays of blood, body fluids, etc.
Patient care equipment and linens
Handle with care,
Don’t let it touch your or clothing, clean or discard appropriately.

23. Health Occupations and Bloodborne Pathogens
Beware of needles!
Never recap used needles.
Dispose of all needles and sharp objects in sharps container.
Use mouthpieces, resuscitation bags, or other ventilation devices as alternative to mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
A patient who contaminates the environment should be in a private room or relatively isolated area.
The AIDS Patient
Sometimes treated as outcasts
Healthcare worker should be supportive
Use of gloves for normal patient contact is not necessary

24. Neat Internet Sites http://www.nanobugs.com/index.php