5.1 Anatomy of the Lymphatic System Flashcards
What does the Lymphatic system contain?
lymphatic vessels
lymphatic organs
What system is the Lymphatic system closely associated with?
cardiovascular system
What is the function of the Lymphatic vessels?
take up excess fluid and return it to the bloodstream
What is the function of lymphatic capillaries?
absorb fat and transports them to the bloodstream
Other than the cardiovascular system, what other system does the lymphatic system help with?
immune system
What are the Lymphatic organs?
thymus
spleen
lymph nodes
tonsils
Where does lymph flow; general overview?
lymph capillary system - subclavian veins - venous circulation of the heart
What happens to the fluid that is not returned to the cardiovascular system via veins?
fluid enters the lymphatic capillaries
What do lymphatic capillaries turn into?
lymphatic vessels
What is lymph?
excess tissue fluid that has entered lymphatic capillaries
What is the structure of lymph vessels close to? Why?
veins, they have one way flow valves
What is the return of lymph fluid to the circulation dependent upon?
squeezing action of skeletal muscles
Where do all lymphatic vessels merge before entering venous circulation?
thoracic duct
right lymphatic duct
What is the thoracic duct also known as?
left lymphatic duct
Where are the right and left lymphatic ducts located?
shoulder region
Where does lymph flow after the right and left lymphatic ducts?
left and right subclavian veins
Which is larger, the left or right lymphatic duct?
left (thoracic)
Where does the thoracic/left duct drain fluid from?
both lower extremities
abdomen
left arm
left side of head
left side of neck
Where does the right lymphatic duct drain fluid from?
right arm
right side of head
right side of neck
right thoracic area
How many lymph nodes are in the human body?
hundreds
