EDEMA & CONTUSIONS Flashcards
what is edema?
-local/ general accumulation of fluid in the interstitial tissue spaces
EDEMA = result of altered-physiological function in body (*not a disease)
may result from:
->local release of histamine following an injury
->systemic disease: heart failure
->after an obstruction of lymphatic vessels
what is blood largely composed of?
(function & anatomy of the lymphatic system)
WBC’s, RBC’s & various proteins suspended in fluid
what happens in circulatory capillaries?
(function & anatomy of the lymphatic system)
slightly more fluid is pumped through the arteriole ends into interstitial spaces than absorbed at venous ends
what happens to the excess clear, watery interstitial fluid?
(function & anatomy of the lymphatic system)
it is collected, filtered & returned to circulation by the lymphatic system
what is fluid called when it is in the lymphatic system?
(function & anatomy of the lymphatic system)
LYMPH
what does lymph contain?
(function & anatomy of the lymphatic system)
WBC’s, plasma proteins, fats & debris
EQUILIBRIUM
(function & anatomy of the lymphatic system)
equilibrium is maintained as along as fluid entering interstitial vessels via arterioles EQUALS fluid leaving through venules & lymphatics
*EDEMA results if equilibrium is upset
LYMPHATIC VESSELS - contraction & pulse
(function & anatomy of the lymphatic system)
minor contractile capability & a pulse of 1-30 beats per minute
-the minor contraction is stimulated by stretching the vessels, either INTERNALLY by the vessels filling/ EXTERNALLY by light massage
how is majority of lymph flow stimulated?
(function & anatomy of the lymphatic system)
by movement of skeletal muscles, diaphragm when breathing, peristalsis & contraction of arteries where they are in contact with lymphatic vessels
LYMPHATIC FLOW
initial vessels
precollectors
collectors
ducts
INITIAL VESSELS
(lymphatic flow)
begin as tiny, delicate lymphatic capillaries
LACK VALVES
PRECOLLECTORS
(lymphatic flow)
connect subcutaneously to deeper vessels in limbs & trunk
HAVE VALVES
COLLECTORS
(lymphatic flow)
connect to larger vessels
HAVE VALVES
DUCTS
(lymphatic flow)
-largest lymph vessels which the collectors connect to
-drain into venous systems at subclavian veins just before vena cava
LYMPH DRAINAGE - DUCTS
(lymphatic flow)
-lymphatics of right arm, anterior & posterior right shoulder & right side of head: drain though RIGHT lymphatic duct
-lymphatics of rest of body: drain through THORACIC duct
CATCHMENTS
-clustering of several lymph nodes together that form a “bed” or collection
-responsible for collecting lymph from specific region of body
-generally found at “hinge” areas of body
-rate of lymph flow through catchments is SLOWER than through other vessels
-susceptible to blockage
two main catchments in the body
- AXILLARY (upper limbs)
- INGUINAL (lower limbs)
WATERSHEDS
-boundary line that gives regional organization to multiple lymphotomes (anatomic connections between groups of specific vessels & collecting capillaries to form a single pathway for lymph flow)
-high concentrations of anastomoses between body regions
-therapist can use watersheds to move lymph to area with less congestion
watersheds of TORSE
-one at level of clavicles & scapular spine
-one at umbilicus
-a vertical line at midsagittal line
EDEMA
excess amount of fluid in interstitium
TYPES OF EDEMA
circulatory
lymphedema
traumatic
CIRCULATORY EDEMA
-caused by dysfunction/ disease in cardiovascular system -> imbalance between dynamic forces of capillary filtration & reabsorption
-common causes: hypertension, venous insufficiency, kidney dysfunction, obesity
-function of lymphatic system is sufficient but temporarily overwhelmed by excess fluid in interstitium
LYMPHEDEMA
dysfunction / failure in lymphatic system
(opposite of circulatory)
-primary
-secondary
PRIMARY LYMPHEDEMA
-congenital / genetic defect in lymphatic development results in insufficient fluid return function of system
-usually evident in early childhood -> begins as swelling in legs
