Chapter Seven Flashcards
What is the function of the endocrine system?
The endocrine system consists of glands that produce and secrete hormones, which regulate the activity of cells or organs, including growth, metabolism, and sexual development and function.
What does the lymphatic system do?
The lymphatic system is part of the circulatory and immune systems, consisting of vessels that circulate lymph, a fluid containing white blood cells, proteins, and fats, to help fight infections and maintain fluid balance.
How does lymph originate and circulate in the body?
Lymph originates from interstitial fluid that seeps out from capillaries, bathes the cells, and is stored in lymphatic capillaries to flow back into the bloodstream via lymphatic vessels.
What role do lymph nodes play in the lymphatic system?
Lymph nodes act as stations where the body addresses viral or bacterial presence with germ-fighting cells from the immune system, preventing imbalances from circulating through the body.
Where are lymph nodes located?
Lymph nodes are small oval structures spread throughout the body, located in clusters in areas such as the neck, armpits, and groin.
What is the function of white blood cells in the lymphatic system?
White blood cells, or lymphocytes, in the lymphatic system help fight infections and protect the body from pathogens.
How does the lymphatic system contribute to immune function?
The lymphatic system contributes to immune function by circulating lymph through lymph nodes where immune responses are generated to fight infections.
What is interstitial fluid?
Interstitial fluid is the fluid that seeps out from capillaries and bathes body tissues, eventually becoming lymph.
How is lymph different from blood?
Lymph is a slightly yellow fluid containing white blood cells, proteins, and fats, while blood contains red and white blood cells, platelets, and plasma.
What is the relationship between the lymphatic system and the circulatory system?
The lymphatic system works closely with the circulatory system by returning interstitial fluid to the bloodstream and maintaining fluid balance in the body.
How do lymph nodes help prevent the spread of infections?
Lymph nodes filter lymph, trapping pathogens and allowing immune cells to destroy them, thus preventing infections from spreading through the body.
What is the role of lymphatic capillaries?
Lymphatic capillaries collect interstitial fluid and transport it as lymph towards larger lymphatic vessels and eventually back to the bloodstream.
How does lymph re-enter the bloodstream?
Lymph re-enters the bloodstream through lymphatic vessels that connect with veins close to the heart.
What happens to lymph as it passes through lymph nodes?
As lymph passes through lymph nodes, it is filtered, and immune responses are activated to destroy any pathogens present.
Why is the lymphatic system essential for maintaining fluid balance?
The lymphatic system helps return excess interstitial fluid to the bloodstream, preventing fluid accumulation in tissues and maintaining overall fluid balance.
