The Lymphatic System and

Immunity

The lymphatic system consists of vessels and the lymphatic organs. Some functions of the lymphatic system are:

1. Fluid balance. The lymphatic system takes up excess tissue fluid and returns it to the bloodstream.

2. Fat absorption. The lymphatic system absorbs fats from the digestive tract and transports them to bloodstream.

3. Defense. The lymphatic system helps defend the body against disease.

The immune system consists of a network of lymphatic organs, tissues, and cells as well as products of these cells, including antibodies and regulatory agents.

Immunity is the ability to react to antigens so that the body remains free of disease.

Disease, a state of homeostatic imbalance, can be due to infection and/or to the failure of the immune system to function properly.

Specifications

Organs

Red Bone Marrow- the site of stem cells that are never capable of dividing and producing red blood cells.

Thymus Gland- lobular gland that lies in the neck and chest area and is necessary for the development of immunity.

Warnings

You may develop a infection called lymphadenitis, if this is not controlled lymphangitis, an infection of the lymphatic vessels may occur.

Operations

1. Fluid balance: the lymphatic system takes up excess tissue fluids and returns it to the bloodstream. The lymphatic capillaries lie very near blood capillaries, and they serve as an auxiliary way to take up fluid that has exited the blood capillaries.

2. Fat absorption: the lymphatic system absorbs fats from the digestive tract and transports them to the bloodstream. Special lymphatic capillaries called lacteals are located in the intestinal villi. This function ensures the absorption of dietary lipids as well as lipid-soluble vitamins.

3. Defense: the lymphatic systems helps defend the body against disease. This function is carried out by the white blood cells present in lymphatic organs.

Maintenance

To be done daily: blow your nose.

To be done weekly: make sure your temp. is normal.

Yearly inspections: have doctor check systems.

Automatic System Checks

The immune systems fights against disease for our body.

Available Options/Upgrades

Bone marrow transplant: cancer patients require a bone marrow transplant when high doses of chemotherapy and radiation have killed off cancerous calls but have also destroyed the patient’s bone marrow.