Block 6: The Lymphatic System Flashcards
What is the Lymphatic System?
True Organ System where most immune responses occur
What is the function of the Lymphatic system?
Where most immune responses occur
Collect and return of ISF
Repack and deliver lipids and fat-soluble vitamins from small intestine to blood
What are the components of the Lymphatic System?
Lymph
Organs
Tissues
Vessels
Where is the Lymphatic System located?
Everywhere!
Nodes are scattered
Compare Lymphatic Organs and Tissues
Organs are surrounded by a capsule - thymus, spleen, red bone marrow, lymph nodes
Tissues are NOT surrounded by a capsule - nodules and aggregations of nodules
Compare Primary and Secondary Lymphatic organs and tissues.
Primary is where lymphocyte production and maturation occurs
Secondary is where lymphocytes initiate adaptive immune response
Where is the spleen and what does it do?
Location: posterior and lateral to stomach on left side of the body
Functions: filters blood, eliminates old erythrocytes, reservoir for thrombocytes
Describe the two components of spleen histology.
White pulp: dark purple circles containing lymphocytes and macrophages
Red pulp: surrounding circles containing erythrocytes and thrombocytes
What is the general flow of lymph?
Lymphatic capillaries
Afferent lymphatic vessels
Node(s)
Efferent Lymphatic Vessels
Lymphatic Trunk
Lymphatic Duct
What are the functions of lymph nodes and where can they be found?
Function: filter lymph and site for activation of T/B cells
Location: all over the body in clusters
MALT(s)
single nodules in connective tissues of mucous membranes
Peyer’s Patches
Aggregations of nodules in the small intestine
What are lymphatic vessels?
Contain nodes, thin vessel walls, valves, and are closed at one end
Contain lymph and leukocytes, which are directed to subclavian veins
Compare Lymphatic Vessels and veins
Lymphatic Vessels have more valves, thinner walls, closed capillaries
Where do lymphatic trunks drain?
Into Lymphatic Ducts
