Anatomy and Physiology: Lymphatic System and Immunity

Outline:

Section 1: Introduction

About this Course

Learning Objectives

Section 2: Lymphatic System: Function and Components

Functions of the Lymphatic System

Components of the Lymphatic System

Lymphatic Fluid

Lymphatic Drainage

Knowledge Check

Key Takeaways

Section 3: Lymphatic Organs: Structure and Function

Primary Lymphatic Organs

Lymph Nodes

Tonsils

Thymus

Spleen

Knowledge Check

Gut-Associated Lymphoid Tissue

Bone Marrow

Bone Marrow Transplant: Procedure

Knowledge Check

Key Takeaways

Section 4: Defense Mechanisms and Immunity

Immune Responses

Nonspecific Defense Mechanisms

Knowledge Check

Specific Defense Mechanisms: Antigens and Antibodies

Specific Defense Mechanisms: Immune Cells

Types of Immunity

Immunity: Risk Factors and Related Disorders

Common Lymphatic and Immune System Diagnostics and Therapies

Knowledge Check

Key Takeaways

Section 5: Conclusion

Course Summary

Course Contributors

References

Ms. Peckham has over 14 years of experience as a Board-Certified RN and Certified Diabetes Education Specialist, providing patient-centered advocacy and care. She earned her MSN in Global Health and Informatics and completed a post-master’s program at Harvard Medical School in Safety, Quality, Informatics, and Leadership in healthcare. Her clinical expertise includes critical care, ambulatory care, community and home health, long-term care, case management, and clinical quality program management. 

As a clinical program manager, Ms. Peckham has implemented quality improvement research programs to enhance continuity of care for patients and families managing complex, chronic conditions. She has been integral in the coordination of population health transition of care programs throughout North Carolina and Massachusetts. Additionally, she has supported the health of migrant farmworkers and created professional development training for improved care and health equity for LGBTQ+ and other underserved populations. 

Currently, Ms. Peckham serves as a nurse consultant, providing subject matter expertise in clinical safety and quality. Her work has been published in the Tarheel Nurse journal, and she was recently highlighted in the Harvard Medical School journal. She continues to write in support of the nursing profession. In her free time, she volunteers with the American Red Cross as a Disaster Health Services RN and has been deployed throughout the United States.