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The Lymphatic & Immune System

The lymphatic and immune system work together to protect against foreign cells. The lymphatic system is made up of lymphatic vessels that help with fluid recovery and lymphatic organs that produce immune cells. The immune system is made up of cells that recognize and respond to foreign cells. It is divided into the specific and nonspecific immunity. 

The Lymphatic System 

Lymph is a clear fluid that resembles plasma but is low in protein. It circulates the body via the lymphatic vessels which penetrate every tissue of the body. The lymphatic vessels converge and fluid flows through the lymphatic capillaries, collecting vessels, lymphatic trunks, collecting ducts, and finally the subclavian veins. The flow of lymph ends at the the subclavian veins so that fluid can be returned to the bloodstream. It is important for fluid to be returned to the bloodstream because it prevents circulatory failure. The return of fluid to the bloodstream also prevents edema, or the buildup of fluid in the interstitial spaces. Unlike the circulatory system, the lymphatic system lacks a pump to move the fluid. Lymph moves through the system through the pulsation of the artery that wraps around lymphatic vessels and movement of the body.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to Improve Lymph Flow

 Poor lymph flow can cause aches and pains, fibromyalgia, lumps, enlarged prostate gland, chronic sinusitis, and allergies. To ensure healthy lymph flow, try the following tips:

1. Excercise regularly.

2. Deep breathing.

3. Drink water.

4. Get a massage.

5. Avoid drinking soda and fruit juices.

Nonspecific Immunity

Nonspecific immunity is a general form of immunity against all pathogens. It is made up of the first two lines of defense. The first line of defense is the skin and mucosal membrane. The keratinized skin is waterproof and almost impenetrable to all pathogens. The sweat secreted by the skin is part of the acid mantle which inhibits bacterial growth.  When the first line of defense is penetrated, the second line of defense responds to the pathogens introduced into the body. These defenses include leukocytes, fever, inflammation, and macrophages. The five main leukocytes respond to certain pathogens.

 

For a bacterial infection...

A bacterial infection, such as streptococcus or strep throat, is attacked with a neutrophil. Neutrophils are the most abundant leukocyte and has granules. It’s distinguishing feature is its 3-5 lobed nucleus. When bacteria is introduced into the body, basophils rapidly differentiate and respond by phagocytizing bacteria and releasing antimicrobial proteins.

For a parasitic infection…

Eosinophils are the best leukocyte to respond to parasitic infections. Eosinophils have a two lobed nucleus connected by a thin strand called an isthmus. Like neutrophils, eosinophils also contains granules. Eosinophils protect against parasites by phagocytizing antigen antibody complexes and releases enzymes to weaken parasites.

For chickenpox…

Some diseases such as chickenpox and diabetes mellitus stimulate the differentiation of basophils. Basophils have large granules and a U or S shaped nucleus. This leukocyte responds to chickenpox by secreting heparin, a blood anticoagulant, and histamine, a vasodilator. The histamine helps promote blood flow to a tissue and heparin helps circulate white blood cells.

For a virus…

The body responds to cancer cells by differentiating lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are agranular and the second most abundant leukocyte. Lymphocytes have a large nucleus and very little cytoplasm. Lymphocytes present antigens, secrete antibodies, and serve in immune memory.

For inflammation…

Monocytes are agranular leukocytes that have a u shaped nucleus. These leukocytes have the ability to differentiate into macrophages, which function in the phagocytosis of antigen antibody complex. Monocytes can also present antigens to activate other immune cells.

Specific Immunity

Humoral Immunity differs from cell mediated immunity because it uses antibodies to create an immune response. Humoral immunity is used when a pathogen is introduced and is phagocytized by a phagosome. The phagosome joins with a lysosome to form a phagolysosome. The pathogen is broken down into fragments and are presented on the outside of the cell through an MHCII protein. The antigen with the cell is called an antigen presenting cell. The antigen is recognized by a t helper cell and activates a b lymphocyte. The B lymphocytes differentiates into a plasma cell, having the ability to produce proteins through the rough endoplasmic reticulum. The protein produced by the b lymphocyte is called an antibody. The antibody prevents the spread of antigens through leukoprecipitation, agglutination, neutralization, and complement fixation. Through neutralization, an antibody can mask the active site of an antigen. Complement fixation allows antigens to change shape and exposes complement binding site. Antigens are immobilized through agglutination, which binds multiple antigens together. Precipitation is similar to agglutination, and binds antigen molecules, not whole cells together.

Active and Passive Immunity

When the body makes its own antibodies, it is a form of active immunity. Antibodies that are acquired from another person or animal is a form of passive immunity. Both forms of immunity can occur either artificially or naturally. A natural active immune response occurs when the body produces its own antibodies as a result of natural exposure to a pathogen. Some examples of natural pathogen exposure is hand shaking, kissing, and hugging. An artificial active immune response is the production of antibodies when a pathogen is introduced artificially. Vaccines are an example of artificial active immunity. Natural passive immunity is a temporary immunity that results from acquiring antibodies from another person. Natural passive immunity only occurs when a baby acquires antibodies from the mother in the womb. Artificial passive immunity occurs when antibodies are injected from another person.  

How to Avoid Getting Sick

  1. Wash hands frequently.

  2. Get plenty of rest.

  3. Avoid sharing food and drinks.

  4. Avoid rubbing your eyes and touching your mouth.

  5. Eat a balanced diet.

  6. Ease stress.

  7. Don’t share towels.

  8. Disinfect gym equipment before using it.

  9. Don’t share glasses, water bottle, or utensils.

  10. Exercise daily.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

How to Avoid Getting Sick
The Best Food to Eat When You're Sick

Chicken noodle soup is one of the most popular home remedies for treating a cold or flu. The warm broth is comforting to the body in more ways than one. The hot soup helps congestion or a stuffy nose because it clears the upper respiratory tract by providing hydration and stimulating nasal clearance. Chicken is a good source of protein which helps boost the immune system because antibodies are made up of proteins. Vegetables in the broth such as carrots, celery, and onion are good sources of vitamin C and A which promotes the spread of white blood cells. Noodles are a source of carbohydrates which provides energy and keeps the stomach full and satisfied.

Chicken Noodle Soup

  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

  • 1 large onion, chopped

  • 3 stalks celery, chopped

  • 3 large carrots, chopped

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into small pieces

  • 1 cup thick ribbon pasta, more if desired

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • Ground black pepper

  • Bring chicken broth to a boil in a large pot. Reduce heat to a simmer. Stir in onion, celery and carrot and cook until tender, stirring from time to time, 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in chicken and continue simmering until chicken is cooked through, 5 to 8 minutes. Stir in pasta and cook until pasta is done, 10 to 12 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.

     

     

     

     

 

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