The Power of Plagues by Sherman Irwin W

Author:Sherman, Irwin W. [Sherman, Irwin W.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: ASM Press
Published: 2013-03-31T00:00:00+00:00

Mammals have co-opted the lymphatic system for another purpose: immunological defense. This has been accomplished by placing clusters of immune tissues at “checkpoints” or “surveillance stations” along the lymphatic routes, where the fluids (now called lymph in the lymph vessels) are examined. The “surveillance stations” are called lymph nodes (Fig. 10.3). Lymph nodes are scattered throughout the body but tend to be clustered in the region of the groin, armpits, and chest. In these locations, the lymph nodes act as filters. The “filter” is principally composed of two kinds of white cells: macrophages and lymphocytes. Our body contains 1010 to 1012 lymphocytes, equivalent in mass to the brain or the liver! Lymphocytes also circulate in the bloodstream and are found in the spleen, a kind of lymph node. Now that we have an idea of the plumbing and surveillance properties of the immune system, let us consider how it works to protect us against disease.

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