Name and define the 3 main functions of the lymphatic system.

Question

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Also, name and define several organs that play an important role in the lymphatic system

Week 5: Immune System/Human Touch
Critical Thinking

Blanca Cortez applies her lipstick and smiles into the mirror. She’s got a second date tonight with a friend’s cousin who just moved to town. Isaac is everything she’s been looking for in a partner: taller than her, with a sarcastic personality, and great taste in music. She’s excited but also nervous about where the relationship could go. Blanca has perinatally acquired HIV, and when she disclosed her status to her last boyfriend prior to being sexually active, he turned into a different person. She would be crushed if the same thing happened to Isaac.

It’s hard for Blanca to be vulnerable with new people, maybe in part because she was adopted as a young child and has had trust issues. She has worked hard to overcome these feelings in therapy, but sometimes, her depression and anxiety have become too much to bear, causing her to become non-adherent to her ART medications.

She checks her phone and sees that Isaac has texted that he’s on his way to pick her up, and feels her heart flutter with nerves. She closes her eyes, takes several cleansing breaths, then zips up her coat to wait by the door.

Answer all 4 of the questions below in your post.

When do you think Blanca should disclose her HIV status to Isaac? Why might she have a hard time broaching the subject? What would the consequences be if she decided not to tell him?
What are some ways that Isaac can protect himself from acquiring HIV if he and Blanca become sexually active?
Isaac talks to his doctor and starts to take PrEP. One day, his mother is visiting and sees the pill bottle. How do you think Isaac could explain the medication to his mother?
If Blanca and Isaac decide to have a family together, what are some ways that they can prevent the transmission of HIV to their child?

Answer 1

Functions of the Lymphatic System

1. Fluid Balance: The lymphatic system helps maintain fluid balance in the body by collecting excess interstitial fluid—fluid that surrounds cells—and returning it to the bloodstream. This process prevents swelling (edema) in tissues and maintains blood volume.

2. Immune Response: One of the primary roles of the lymphatic system is to support the immune system. It transports lymph, which contains white blood cells (lymphocytes), throughout the body. Lymph nodes, which are distributed throughout the lymphatic vessels, filter lymph and house immune cells that respond to infections.

3. Fat Absorption: The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in the absorption and transport of dietary fats and fat-soluble vitamins from the intestines to the circulatory system. Specialized lymphatic vessels called lacteals in the small intestine absorb fats during digestion.

Organs of the Lymphatic System

1. Lymph Nodes: Small, bean-shaped structures that filter lymph and contain immune cells. They play a key role in the body’s defense against pathogens.

2. Spleen: The largest lymphatic organ, located in the upper left abdomen, the spleen filters blood, removes old red blood cells, and helps fight infection by producing lymphocytes.

3. Thymus: Located behind the sternum, the thymus is where T-lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell essential for immune response) mature. This organ is particularly active during childhood and adolescence.

4. Tonsils: Lymphoid tissues located in the throat that help protect against pathogens entering through the oral cavity and nasal cavity. They contain immune cells that respond to inhaled or ingested pathogens.

5. Peyer’s Patches: Located in the lining of the intestines, these aggregates of lymphoid tissue monitor intestinal bacteria and prevent the growth of pathogenic bacteria in the intestines.

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Critical Thinking Questions About Blanca Cortez

1. When should Blanca disclose her HIV status to Isaac?
   Blanca should ideally disclose her HIV status to Isaac before they engage in any sexual activity. This allows him to make informed decisions about their relationship and helps build trust between them. She might have a hard time broaching the subject due to past negative experiences and trust issues stemming from her adoption and previous relationships, where disclosure led to rejection. If she decides not to tell Isaac, the consequences could include potential health risks for him, a breach of trust if he finds out later, and legal implications, as many places have laws requiring disclosure of HIV status before engaging in sexual activity.

2. What are some ways that Isaac can protect himself from acquiring HIV if he and Blanca become sexually active?
   Isaac can protect himself by practicing safer sex methods, such as using condoms consistently and correctly. Additionally, he could consider starting Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), a medication that lowers the risk of HIV transmission. Regular testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is also advisable.

3. How could Isaac explain his PrEP medication to his mother?
   He could explain that PrEP is a preventive medication taken by people who are at high risk of HIV, which helps to protect him from the virus. He could reassure her that he is being responsible about his health and that it’s part of a broader strategy to ensure his safety in relationships.

4. What are some ways that Blanca and Isaac can prevent the transmission of HIV to their child if they have a family together?
   Blanca can take antiretroviral therapy (ART) to maintain an undetectable viral load, which significantly reduces the risk of transmission during conception and pregnancy. They might also consider options such as sperm washing or using assisted reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization (IVF). After birth, they should ensure that Blanca avoids breastfeeding and opts for formula feeding, as HIV can be transmitted through breast milk. Regular consultations with healthcare providers specializing in HIV will provide them with tailored strategies and support.