Chapter 13: Immune/Lymphatic System Flashcards
What is lymph?
Lymph is an alkaline interstitial fluid that flows in the lymphatic vessels and cells.
What is the purpose of the lymphatic system?
Lymphatic system is a system of transport facilitating immune responses
What organs are associated with the lymphatic system?
Tonsils/adenoids, Thymus, Spleen, Groin lymph, Neck/jaw lymph, axillary/chest lymph
Where are most lymph nodes situated? What is the purpose of nodes?
Inguinal (groin), axilla (armpit) and cervical (neck). Lymph nodes filter lymph. They house lymphocytes and other cells like macrophages that are able to mount an immune response if needed.
What does the spleen do?
The spleen provides a site for lymphocyte proliferation and blood storage. It cleans the blood by extracting and breaking down old or defective blood cells from the blood. It’s macrophages destroy pathogens in circulating blood.
What do tonsils do?
The tonsils form a ring of lymphatic tissue around the throat that traps and destroys pathogens.
What is the main function of lymphatic vessels?
Lymphatic vessels pick up and transport fluid and plasma proteins that have escaped from the bloodstream into the interstitial cells.
In what way are lymphatic vessels similar to veins?
Lymphatic vessels make up a one-way system that transports fluid only towards the heart. The transport is reliant on the same mechanisms of venous return, namely contraction of surrounding skeletal muscle, pressure changes in the thorax from breathing, and the presence of valves to prevent backflow.
What are lymphocytes and what do they do?
Lymphocyte is a type of white blood cell produced in red bone marrow. It is involved in the immune response and synthesis of antibodies to immobilize and destroy foreign cells. There are T-cells which destroy foreign cells and B-cells which produce antibodies that immobilize antigens.
Where is the appendix reflex located?
The appendix reflex is located in between zones 4 and 5 of the right foot only just below the heel line.
Where is the lymphatic drainage point located?
The neck/jaw lymph drainage point is located on the dorsal aspect of the foot between zones 1 and 2, one inch up from the web. The groin lymph drainage point is found in the centre of the groin lymph drainage on the dorsal aspect of the foot. The groin lymph reflex is in the crease from the medial to lateral malleoli.
Name the two main lymphatic ducts.
Thoricac duct
Right lymphatic duct
Which duct has more work to do?
The thoracic duct has more work to do as it picks up lymph from all parts of the body except the upper right part.
Why is the lymphatic system important?
The lymphatic system is important for fighting off infections and for returning fluid to the cardiovascular system. If it did not do this our blood pressure would drop so low that we would die.
In what direction does lymph move? What could you do to assist it?
Lymph moves towards the heart. Massage, exercise and breathwork could help move it.
