Download Lymphatic System and Immunity Levels of Organization

Lymphatic System and Immunity Levels of
Organization
Your exploration of immunity in the following modules will extend from
the simplest to the most complex. Although the levels of organization
are introduced in modules, the functional interconnections between the
organizational levels will build throughout the development of modules
within this unit.
1. Molecular level of organization includes 4 general categories of
molecules:
a. Three main types of antimicrobial substances (interferon,
complement, iron-binding transferrins)
b. Substances that contribute to aspects of inflammation
(histamine,
kinins,
prostaglandins,
leukotrienes,
and
complement)
c. Molecules present on pathogens and infected self-cells
(pathogen-associated molecular patterns, antigens and major
histocompatibility complex) that are recognized by receptors
(pattern recognition receptors, B-cell receptor, T-cell receptor)
on immune cells
d. Small protein hormones, called cytokines that stimulate or
inhibit normal cell functions such differentiation and growth
2. Cell level – Neutrophils, Eosinophils, Basophils, Monocytes,
Macrophages, Dendritic cells, Natural killer cells and B and T
Lymphocytes
3. Tissue level – lymph and lymph nodules such as mucosa-associated
lymph tissue and tonsils
4. Organ level – lymph capillaries and vessels, primary lymph organs
such as bone and thymus, secondary lymph organs such as lymph
nodes, and spleen
5. System level - all components that function together to drain excess
interstitial fluid and carry out immune responses