Advanced4: Q&A's

Question 1

What are the main components of the lymphatic system?

Answer 1

1. Lymph
2. Lymph nodes
3. Lymph vessels
4. Lymph ducts
5. Lymphoid tissue

Question 2

State the two main functions of the lymphatic system

Answer 2

1. Return tissue fluid to the blood

2. Supply defence mechanisms to the body

Question 3

Explain the relevance of the lymphatic system (LS) to meat inspection

Answer 3

The LS monitors the presence of potentially harmful organisms in the body. It plays a crucial role in identifying and filtering disease. Meat inspectors may then assess whether such diseases are acute, chronic, localised or systemic.

Question 4

Explain how the water component of tissue fluid is able to return through the capillaries to the blood

Answer 4

A drop in BP at the venous end of a capillary forces tissue fluid back into the capillary due to high osmotic pressure and diffusion.

Question 5

Explain how excess fluid is removed from the tissues and returned to the blood

Answer 5

Excess fluid is removed via the lymphatic vessels and processed by the LN’s before making its way to the final terminal node which then empties into the lymphatic duct, vena cava, heart and into the blood

Question 6

Name two forces that assist the passage of lymph along the lymph vessels

Answer 6

1. Muscular contraction

2. Negative pressure at/near the heart (siphoning)

Question 7

Name the structures that prevent lymph from flowing the wrong way

Answer 7

One way valves