The Lymphatic and Immune Systems
The lymphatic and immune systems, although
technically two different systems, are very closely
related. The immune system is our defence system
– it defends us against foreign organisms, bacteria,
fungi and parasitic animals. The lymphatic system is
a system of nodes, capillaries and vessels, along with
other organs, that transport a fluid called ‘lymph’
from the tissues as it returns to the bloodstream.
The lymphatic tissue in these organs filters and
cleans the lymph of debris and pathogens. The
lymph also contains cells called lymphocytes and
macrophages which are part of your immune system.
Invaders
The types of invaders your immune system and
lymphatic system are trying to fight off are:
Protozoa
There are also living organisms that
normally live in the soil or water.
They can produce a range of diseases
including malaria and diarrhoea.
Bacteria
Bacteria are life forms found in billions
everywhere you look. Not all bacteria
are harmful but bacteria known as
germs are pathogenic and release
poisonous substances called toxins.
Viruses
Viruses are not living things, they are
more like chemical packages. They
are made up of genetic material and
when they enter the body they invade
a cell and then reproduce and spread.
14 IGNIS