Ch.27 - The Lymphatic System Flashcards
What is the lymphatic system?
The lymphatic system is a secondary circulatory system used to return the fluid from around the cells back to the blood.
What is tissue fluid?
Tissue fluid is plasma without red cells, platelets or large proteins. Tissue fluid surrounds all body cells and helps transport material in and out of cells.
What is oedema?
Oedema is swelling in the tissue due to excess tissue fluid.
How is tissue fluid drained?
Tissue fluid is drained by 2 routes; most is drawn back into the plasma in the capillaries near the veins. Some enters dead-ending tubes called lymph vessels, the tissue fluid is now called lymph.
What is lymph composed of?
Lymph is made from tissue fluid and contains white blood cells, proteins and fats.
Draw a diagram of the formation and path of lymph.
How is lymph moved through lymph vessels?
Lymph moves in lymph vessels because of muscles in the vessel walls and general body movements.
What is the lymphatic system made of?
The lymphatic system is made of the lymphatic organs, lymph nodes and lymph vessels.
Where do small lymph vessels join together?
Smaller lymph vessels join together to form 2 main vessels; the thoracic duct on the left side of the body and the lymphatic duct at the right shoulder.
What are lymph nodes?
Lymph nodes are swellings found along lymph vessels, they filter bacteria and they store lymphocytes, some of which kill micro-organisms and others produce antibodies.
What are the functions of the lymphatic system?
The lymphatic system collects tissue fluid and returns it to the blood. It defends the body against infection by filtering micro-organisms in lymph nodes and maturing and storing lymphocytes which engulf micro-organisms or produce antibodies. The lymphatic system also absorbs and transports fats at lacteals(villi of the small intestine).
