Get your go bag and suit up–it’s time to stop the next invasion! Those are the orders your lymphatic system receives every time an invading bacteria, virus, or other microorganism is detected by the spleen, your body’s central command and disease early-warning system.
As in an expertly planned and executed multipronged attack, the lymphatic system defends against invaders by deploying lymphocytes, specialized white blood cells that produce antibodies, the lethal agents that kill invaders. Get an overview of the human lymphatic system with 2/3 life-size model that includes vessels, ducts, nodes, and organs.
The lymphatic system is made of the lymph nodes, tonsils, spleen, thymus, and the lymphatic vessels that transport lymph. Each structure performs specified tasks to defend the body. Take a look at our infographic illustrating the structure of the lymphatic system and the organs of the system for an overview of the battle plan.
Lymphocytes, the body’s weapon of choice, are specialized white blood cells that develop into either B cells or T cells. B cells possess antigen receptors that bind to a foreign substance (called an antigen) and create antibodies that signal for the demise of other invaders. An antigen might be a virus, bacterium, parasite, or any other substance identified as foreign. T cells kill diseased cells and cancer cells directly. Whether using heavy artillery (B cells) or bullets (T cells), lymphocytes work hard to keep our bodies safe and account for 25 to 30% of all white blood cells.
Introduce students to hematology with a blood staining microscopy laboratory activity that’s safe and easy to use. Using prepared blood smear slides, students can stain blood samples and then identify the types of blood cells present–erythrocytes, leukocytes, granulocytes, lymphocytes, and monocytes–simulating the tests run in doctors’ offices across the country. This gives students a glimpse into the duties, responsibilities, and techniques required of a diagnostic hematologist.
Carolina BioKits®: Wright Readi-Stain®
Students can engage in additional microscopy work with these prepared slides:
Human spleen–the central command for fighting disease. The spleen filters blood, controls the amount of red blood cells, and detects dangerous bacteria, viruses, and microorganisms.
Human thymus–an armory and training center where immature lymphocytes prepare to become active T cells.
Human palatine tonsil–the first line of defense against bacteria and viruses that enter the body through the mouth and nose.
Mammal lymph node–the behind-the-lines support staff that evaluates lymph as it moves through and that store cells to fight foreign invaders.
Mammal lymphatic vessel–the conduits for the supply caravan of lymph.
Immunodetection kit
For a whole system approach, have students investigate the immune response with the Carolina BioKits®: Immunodetective Investigation, where they learn the double diffusion technique in agar gel to study the antigen-antibody reaction.
With models, activities, and materials to help students visualize systems, develop skills, and learn anatomy and physiology, Carolina will help you and your students win the day.
The lymphatic system plays an important role in maintaining the body’s immunity against illness. It is made up of many vessels, tissues, and organs, including lymph nodes, tonsils, and the spleen. The cardiovascular system works closely with the lymphatic system to filter foreign substances through these tissues so they can be removed.
Lymph organs house a large number of white blood cells that help protect the body from invading microorganisms and other infectious agents. These white blood cells attack, deploy antibodies, and release histamines when a foreign substance enters the body. Unfortunately, viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens are not the only invaders the body will attack.
Allergies are an overreaction of the immune system to foreign substances. This type of response is known as an allergic response and can range from moderate to life-threatening. The steps involved in a typical allergic response are outlined below.
1st Exposure to an Allergen
The first time the body is exposed to an allergen, it is flooded with white blood cells, and the immune system starts producing antibodies to fight the response.
2nd Exposure to an Allergen
The second exposure to an allergen results in an increased production of antibodies.
Histamines Are Released
White blood cells release chemicals, such as histamines, that result in an inflammatory response.
The body can experience several levels of allergic reactions:
The graph to the right illustrates the body’s primary and secondary responses to exposures to a foreign substance. The body’s response to a secondary exposure is faster and greater than to the first, whether the substance is a pathogen or an allergen.
Describe the steps of an allergic response.
Name some common allergens for each of the 3 levels of an allergic reaction.
Answer this question on your own:
What kinds of medications can be given to treat the different types of allergic reactions? Why?
Essential Question: What is the structure and function of the lymphatic system?
Objective: Review lymphatic system structure and function for test preparation.
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