Study the Immune System Like Never Before with Visible Body Suite
The lymphatic system doesn’t get nearly as much hype as it deserves, but Visible Body is here to fix that. In the newest release of Visible Body Suite, we’re highlighting the lymphatic system with a fully interactive 3D lymph node model! We’ve also added new animations about HIV/AIDS, cell-mediated immunity, and humoral immunity, as well as illustrations depicting thymic involution and each of the four types of hypersensitivity reactions. In this post, we’ll give you a sneak peek at each of these new additions and tell you where you can find them in VB Suite.
3D Lymph Node
The 3D lymph node is the newest microanatomy model in our collection. With this model, you can explore the inner structure of a lymph node, examining how it supports fluid regulation and immune defense. Highlight blood vessels to see how the lymph node is supplied, and follow the path of lymph as it travels through lymphatic vessels and sinuses.
The 3D lymph node model in Visible Body Suite.
You’ll find this new model in our Lymphatic System views in the Human Anatomy section. You can also access this model via the Related Content box when you explore a gross anatomy view and highlight a related structure, like a lymphatic vessel, node, or organ.
Animations: HIV/AIDS, Cell-Mediated Immunity, and Humoral Immunity
HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, is one of the most severe conditions that can affect the immune system. With the new HIV/AIDS animation in Visible Body Suite, you can see how HIV attacks the immune system—specifically, T cells—and how HIV can progress into AIDS, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
Do a deep dive into adaptive immunity with the Cell-Mediated Immunity and Humoral Immunity animations to learn about how T cells, B cells, and antibodies protect the body from both immediate and future infections.
You’ll find these animations in the Lymphatic System views in the Human Anatomy section, as well as in the Physiology and Pathology section.
Illustrations: Thymic Involution and Hypersensitivity Reactions
The thymus is a lymphatic organ, located just above the heart. It’s where T cells mature and specialize. It’s largest in children. As our bodies grow, our thymus shrinks! Learn more about this process with the thymic involution illustration.
The thymus in Visible Body Suite.
A hypersensitivity reaction occurs when the immune system reacts to antigens in a way that is harmful to the body. Our four new hypersensitivity illustrations depict the four types of hypersensitivity reactions.
Hypersensitivity reactions overview illustration from Visible Body Suite.
Type I hypersensitivity reactions involve IgE (immunoglobulin E) antibodies. These reactions are responsible for allergic reactions, from seasonal allergies to anaphylaxis.
Type II hypersensitivity reactions occur when antibodies target the body’s own cells. A potentially life-threatening type II hypersensitivity reaction—an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction—can occur after a blood transfusion if someone receives incompatible blood.
Type III hypersensitivity reactions are caused by accumulated immune complexes (antibodies bound to antigens) that trigger an inflammatory response. Rheumatoid arthritis is a good example of a common type III hypersensitivity reaction.
Type IV hypersensitivity reactions can take a day or more to develop, and they are mediated by T cells instead of antibodies. An allergic reaction (allergic contact dermatitis) from poison ivy is a common example of this type of hypersensitivity reaction.
You’ll find all these illustrations (and more!) in the Lymphatic System views in the Human Anatomy section or in the Physiology and Pathology section.
To find any of these models, animations, and illustrations, you can also use the Content Search feature in VB Suite! Just hit the search icon in the top bar of the main menu and type in what you’re looking for. If you search “lymphatic system,” you’ll find everything we just talked about!
All in all, we hope you’ll enjoy learning more about the lymphatic system and immunity with these new anatomy, physiology, and pathology resources.
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