5- Lymphatics I Flashcards
How are lymphatic vessels similar to blood vessels?
Both blood vessels and lymphatic vessels come from a COMMON embryiologic origin that separates during development, which allows for common, yet distinct pathways.
How do Lymphatic vessels differ from blood vessels?
- Completely different vascular network
- Collects extravasated fluid from tissues (whereas blood vessels deliver fluid)
- Filter lymph
- Return lymph to circulation
What are the two main functions of the lymphatic system? What are two specifics for each function?
- Maintain homeostasis
- Cardiovascular assistance with fluid management
- Transportation of fats from small intestine to veins
- Immunologic role
- Filter particulate matter
- Develop and deliver antibodies
How does homeostasis impact fluid management?
It is the pathway for fluid return from the interstital tissues back to the vascular system
How much fluid per day is returned back to the vascular system via the lymphatic system?
2 liters/day
What are lacteals?
Lymphatic vessels found in the intestines that are responsible for the transport of lipids into lymph fluid (aka. chyle)
Where do the lymphatic vessels transport fat to?
To the blood via the thoracic duct and sent to the liver for processing
What are primary lymph organs?
Red bone marrow
Thymus
What are secondary lymph organs?
- Lymph nodes
- Spleen
- Lymphatic Nodules (Pharygeal Tonsils)
How are primary valves different than secondary valves?
Primary valves are :
- Are on smaller vessels
- Have only ONE valve (secondary have two to prevent retrograde)
- Have only endothelial cells (secondary have smooth muscle and endothelial cells)
Describe the basic outline of the Lymph System
- Thin walled channels of endothelial cells
- Join together to form larger vessels
- Primary lymph valves have ONE-WAY microvalves
- Large vessels collect lymphatics (have endothelium and smooth muscles w/ secondary valves that restrict retrograde)
- Nodes - located along the path of the collecting lymphatics
- Large lymphatic vessels ultimately drain into left and right subclavian veins
What is a lymphagion?
Pre-nodal or “afferent” collecting vessels
Where do trunks return the lymph to? via?
Venous system via lymphatic ducts.
Describe the superficial Lymph System
Drains the skin (not epidermis), musculoskeletal structures, located in groups near veins and travel through the fascia to the deep system
Describe the movement of the lymph flow.
Movement goes from peripheral tissues toward the midline of the body then toward cervicothoracic junction.