H&N 3.2 lymphatic system Flashcards
what are the 3 main broad components of the lymphatic system?
- lymph nodes
- lymph vessels
- lymph fluid
give examples of tissues that dont have lymphatic drainage?
lens and cornea of eye, inner ear, cartilage
how does tissue fluid form?
In teh arterioles, hydrostatic pressure exceeds oncotic, so you get tissue fluid formation.
In the venules, the oncotic pressure is greater than the hydrostatic pressure, so the tissue fluid gets reabsorbed, however not all of it returns.
What substances are found in tissue fluid which enter lymphatic capillaries?
- tissue fluid
- dead cells
- small proteins
- bacteria
- malignant cells
When does tissue fluid become lymph?
When it moves into lymphatic capillaries.
How much lymph do we produce per day?
3-4 litres.
What is the function of the lmyphatic system?
Continuous removal of remaining tissue fluid from extracellular space back into the blood.
What’s the order of vessels of lymphatic flow?
tissue fluid lmyphatic fluid afferent lymphatic vessel lymph node efferent lymphatic vessel lymphatic trunk lymph duct.
What are some features of the quality of lymphatic flow?
- one directional
- low pressure
- no pump.
where does lymph re-enter the blood circulation?
right side of the body above diaphragm- right lymphatic duct, into right subclavian vein.
Left side of the body and right side below diaphragm, thoracic duct into left subclavian vein
What is lymphoedema?
Abnormally accumulation of protein rich tissue fluid causing swelling due to a compromised lymphatic system.
What are some causes of lymphoedema
- some infections
- removal of some lymph nodes
- damage to system eg due to chemotherapy
- lack of movement (muscle contraction helps to move the lymphatic fluid)
- congenital
What’s the structure of lymph nodes?
tough fibrous capsule surrounding reticular connective tissue
What do lymph nodes contain?
Many lymphocytes and macrophages
What’s the function of lymph nodes?
- involved in immune response
- physical barrier to proteins, cells etc
- site of activation and proliferation of lymphocytes.
What is lymphadenopathy?
Swollen lymph node
What are some causes of lymphadenopathy?
- infection
- malignancy
What are the features of a swollen lymph node caused by infection?
- mobile
- tender
What are the features of a swollen lymph node caused by malignancy?
- non-mobile
- non-tender.
How can lymph nodes be broadly classified?
regional (drain specific areas-superficial)
terminal (drain many regional lymph nodes-deep)
Where can you palpate lymph nodes?
Head and neck
axillae
groin
How are the superficial and deep lymph nodes of the head and neck separated?
By the investing fascia.
What are the superficial groups of lymph nodes in the head and neck?
- sub-mental
- sub-mandibular
- pre-auricular
- postauricular
- anterior cervical lymph nodes
- posterior cervical lymph nodes
- superficial cervial lymph nodes
- occipital
What makes up waldeyer’s ring?
- pharyngeal tonsils
- pallatine tonsils
- lingual tongils
What’s another word for pharyngela tonsils?
adenoids.
What’s the most commonly enlarged deep cervical lymph node?
Jugulodiagastric
What’s the importance of enlrarged lymph nodes in the supraclavicular area?
left- could suggest gastric/abdominal malignancy
right- could suggest lung malignancy