Ch. 6 Lymphatic/Immune Systems Flashcards
What are the 3 functions of the lymphatic system?
- absorbing fats and fat-soluble vitamins from the small intestine
- removing waste from the tissues
- providing aid to the immune system
lacteals
specialized structures of the lymphatic system, absorb and transport the fats and fat-soluble vitamins that can’t be absorbed directly into the blood stream
What are the 4 major structures of the lymphatic system?
- lymph
- lymphatic vessels
- ducts
- lymph nodes
What are the 7 addition structures?
- tonsils
- thymus
- spleen
- lacteals
- Peyer’s patches
- vermiform appendix
- lymphocytes
Lymph
a clear, watery fluid that transports waste products and protein out of the spaces btw the cells of the body tissues. It also destroys bacteria or other pathogens that are present in the tissues
interstitial fluid
plasma from arterial blood that flows out of the capillaries and into the spaces btw the cells, it transports food, oxygen, and hormones to the cells
lymphatic capillaries
microscopic, blind-ended tubes located near the surface of the body, they separate briefly to allow lymph to enter the capillary
lymphatic vessels
located deeper within the tissues, lymph flows from the capillaries to the vessels, the vessels eventually join together to form two ducts
right lymphatic duct
collects lymph from the right side of the head and neck, the upper right quadrant of the body and the right arm, then empties into the right subclavian vein
thoracic duct
largest lymphatic vessel in the body, collects lymph from the left side of the head and neck, the upper left quadrant of the trunk, the left arm, and the entire lower portion of the trunk and both legs, empties into the left subclavian vein
lymph node
bean-shaped specialized lymphocytes that are capable of destroying pathogens
tonsils
three masses of lymphoid tissue that form a protective ring around the back of the nose and the upper throat that prevent pathogens from entering the body through the nose and mouth
thymus
composed primarily of lymphoid tissue, but it is an endocrine gland that assists the immune system
Peyer’s patches
located on the walls of the ileum, protects against the entry of pathogens through the digestive system
vermiform appendix
hangs from the lower portion of the cecum, protects against the entry of pathogens through the digestive system
What are the 4 functions of the spleen?
- filters microorganisms and other foreign material from the blood
- forms lymphocytes and monocytes
- destroys worn-out red blood cells and releases their hemoglobin for reuse
- stores extra erythrocytes and maintains the balance btw these cells and the plasma of the blood
lymphadenitis
swollen glands, inflammation of the lymph nodes
lymphangioma
benign tumor formed by an abnormal collection of lymphatic vessels due to a congenital malformation of the lymphatic system
lymphoscintigraphy
diagnostic test that is performed to detect damage or malformations of the lymphatic vessels
lymphedema
swelling due to an abnormal accumulation of lymph fluid within the tissues
primary lymphedema
hereditary disorder due to malformation of the lymphatic system, most commonly produces swelling in the feet and legs
secondary lymphedema
caused by damage to the lymphatic system that most commonly produces swelling in the limb nearest to the damaged lymphatic vessels. Cancer treatment and trauma are the most frequent causes.
antigen
any substance that the body regards as being foreign, and includes viruses, bacteria, toxins, and transplanted tissues
antibody
disease fighting protein created by the immune system in response to the presence of a specific antigen
immunoglobulins
bind with specific antigens in the antigen-antibody response
plasma cells
specialized white blood cells that produce antibodies coded to destroy specific antigens