Exam 2 Flashcards
How does lymphatic system prevent excess accumulation of tissue fluid (edema)?
Absorbs plasma proteins and fluid (2-4 L/day) from tissues and returns it to the bloodstream
How does lymphatic system counteract tissue infections?
Delivers WBCs to the site of infection
How does lymphatic system prevent the spread of malignant cells?
Traps damaged or harmful cells and also can destroy them in lymph glands
How many lymph nodes do we have?
Between 501-700 lymph nodes
About 450
Lymph Fluid
- What is it?
- Where does it originate?
Clear, colorless fluid
Similar to plasma but much less protein
Originates as interstitial fluid
Circulation Pathways of Lymph
- Lymphatic capillaries
- Collecting vessels
- Lymphatic trunks
- Collecting ducts
- -Right lymphatic duct and thoracic duct
Right Lymphatic Duct
Drains lymph from upper right limb and the right side of the head and thorax
Thoracic Duct
Receives lymph from the rest of the body
Arises as enlarged sac called the cisterna chyli
Where does lymph end up?
Goes from lymph nodes to right or left subclavian vein, where it mixes back with the blood
Lymph Capillaries
- -Where are they found?
- -What is their function?
Found throughout the body except in avascular tissue
Deliver lymph to the tissues
How do lymph capillaries collect fluid?
Collect fluid from the tissues
How do lymph capillaries differ from blood capillaries?
Blood capillaries carry blood from small arterioles to small venules
Lymphatic capillaries carry lymphatic fluid from tissue to lymphatic venules
Lymph Nodes
- -What is their function?
- -Where are they located?
- -What do they contain?
- Produce lymphocytes
- Scattered throughout the body, but concentrated near mammary glands, axillae, and groin
- B cells and plasma cells
Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue
Diffuse system of small concentration of lymphoid tissue found in the GI tract, thyroid, breast, lung, salivary glands, eye, and skin
Tonsils and MALT Function
Aggregations of lymphocytes in the connective tissues of mucous membranes and various organs
Spleen
NOT a lymphatic organ
Filters blood and removes dead RBCs
Location of the Spleen
Between the stomach, diaphragm, and kidney
Upper left quadrant
Epigastric region
Cisterna Chyli
Sac formed from two lumbar trunks and intestinal trunk that collects a large amount of chyle
Thoracic Duct
On the left
Larger and stronger than right lymphatic duct
Right Lymphatic Duct
Receives drainage from right arm and right side of the thorax and head and empties into the right subclavian vein
Terminal End of the Thoracic Duct
Sometimes called the left lymphatic duct
Final Destination of Lymph Fluid
Circulatory system
Why is the lymphatic system a 1-way system?
Lymphatic system is a return system only; removes fluid from the body and carries it to lymphatic ducts and trunks and puts it back into circulation
Lymphedema
Condition of localized fluid retention and tissue swelling caused by a compromised lymphatic system