Exam II study guide Flashcards
What is the function of the lymphatic system?
The function of the lymphatic system is to collect and transport tissue fluids from intercellular spaces in all the tissues of the body, back to the veins in the blood system; it plays an important role in returning plasma proteins to the bloodstream.
What is lymph?
Lymph is the fluid that circulates throughout the lymphatic system.
When is the lymph formed?
The lymph is formed when the interstitial fluid is collected through the lymph capillaries
What are the structural differences between lymphatic capillaries and blood capillaries?
- lymphatic capillaries are difficult to observe due to their colorless appearance while blood capillaries are easy to observe due to their red coloring.
- Lymphatic capillaries are closed at the tip while blood capillaries are joined to arterioles at one end and venules at the other end
- Lymphatic capillaries are wider than blood capillaries
- Lymphatic capillaries have thin endothelium walls and poorly developed basement membrane while blood capillaries have normal endothelium walls and basement membrane
- Lymphatic capillaries have low pressure blood capillaries have high pressure
- Lymphatic capillaries absorb tissue from intercellular spaces while blood capillaries add tissue to intercellular spaces
What are the 4 mechanisms to propel lymph through the lymphatic system?
Skeletal muscle contraction, one-way pumps, arterial pulsation, thoracic pump
What are the 2 lymphatic ducts?
right lymphatic duct, thoracic duct
Where does the right lymphatic duct receive lymph from?
the right arm, right side of head and thorax; empties into right subclavian vein
Where does the thoracic duct receive lymph from?
the left arm, left side of head and thorax and neck; empties into the left subclavian vein
Where is lymph re-introduced to the circulatory system?
the subclavian veins
What is lymphatic tissue and where is it found?
aggregations of lymphocytes found in the connective tissue of mucous membranes and various organs
What are the 4 lymphatic organs?
red bone marrow, thymus, spleen, tonsils, lymph nodes
What is the function of red bone marrow?
hemopoiesis (blood formation) and immunity
What is the function of the thymus?
houses developing lymphocytes, secretes hormones regulating their activity
What is the function of tonsils?
guard against ingested or inhaled pathogens
What is the function of the spleen?
blood production in fetus, blood reservoir, RBC disposal, white pulp monitors blood for foreign antigens
