The Lymphatic system consists of the tonsils, lymphatic vessels, the thymus, lymph nodes, and the spleen, and its functions include immunity, lipid absorption, and tissue fluid recovery (Saladin, Sullivan, & Gan, 2015). The lymphatic system consists of 6 main types of lymphatic cells: B Lymphocytes (B Cells), Dendritic Cells, Macrophages, Natural Killer (NK) Cells, Reticular Cells, and T Lymphocytes (T Cells). The unique function of each cell is briefly described below.
B Lymphocytes (B Cells): These lymphatic cells remain/mature in the bone marrow, are associated with the circulatory system and the lymph system (Farabee, 2001); they produce antibodies and fight specific pathogens in the body and; produce antibodies to subsequent infection …show more content…
Macrophages: These lymphatic cells are large phagocytes (cell which ingest/engulf foreign matter) that are found in the connective tissue and developed from monocytes that have emigrated from the bloodstream (Farabee, 2001); they are key players in preventing infection and cleaning up the aftermath of an infection; they help activate helper T cells and ultimately stimulate the production of antibodies against the antigen (Saladin, Sullivan, & Gan, 2015).
Natural Killer (NK) Cells: These lymphatic cells are part of the innate immune system and mediate their effect in an antigen-independent manner, meaning that it does not give rise to immunological memory or long-term protective immunity (Farabee, 2001); they attack and destroy bacteria, transplanted tissues, and host cells (cells of one's own body) that have either become infected with viruses or turned cancerous (Saladin, Sullivan, & Gan,
B Lymphocytes (B Cells): These lymphatic cells remain/mature in the bone marrow, are associated with the circulatory system and the lymph system (Farabee, 2001); they produce antibodies and fight specific pathogens in the body and; produce antibodies to subsequent infection …show more content…
Macrophages: These lymphatic cells are large phagocytes (cell which ingest/engulf foreign matter) that are found in the connective tissue and developed from monocytes that have emigrated from the bloodstream (Farabee, 2001); they are key players in preventing infection and cleaning up the aftermath of an infection; they help activate helper T cells and ultimately stimulate the production of antibodies against the antigen (Saladin, Sullivan, & Gan, 2015).
Natural Killer (NK) Cells: These lymphatic cells are part of the innate immune system and mediate their effect in an antigen-independent manner, meaning that it does not give rise to immunological memory or long-term protective immunity (Farabee, 2001); they attack and destroy bacteria, transplanted tissues, and host cells (cells of one's own body) that have either become infected with viruses or turned cancerous (Saladin, Sullivan, & Gan,