Haematology: Anatomy - Lymphoid system Flashcards
What areas of the body do not contain lymphatics?
Teeth
Bone
Bone marrow
CNS
What are the 6 main components of the lymphatic system?
Lymphatic plexuses
Lymphatic vessels
Lymphatic trunks
Lymphatic ducts
Lymphatic organs
Lymph nodes
What are lymphatic plexuses?
Beds of lymphatic capillaries that originate blindly in the extracellular space
What are lymphatic vessels?
Thin-walled vessels with abundant lymphatic valves (gives beaded appearance), drains lymph from lymphatic capillaries
What are lymphatic trunks?
Large collecting vessels which receive lymph from multiple lymphatic vessels
What are lymph nodes?
Small masses of lymphatic tissue which filters lymph prior to it entering the venous system
What are lymphoid organs? Give examples
Lymphocyte-producing parts of the body (e.g. thymus, red bone marrow, spleen, tonsils, lymphoid nodules in GIT)
What are lymphatic ducts?
Lymphatic trunks unite to form the right lymphatic duct and thoracic duct
The right lymphatic duct drains which parts of the body? Where does it enter?
Body’s RUQ (R arm, lung, breast, head, neck)
Enters at right venous angle (between subclavian and internal jugular veins)
The thoracic duct drains which part of the body? Where does it enter?
Remainder of body
Enters at left venous angle (between subclavian and internal jugular veins)
What is cisterna chyli?
Sac in the abdomen where lymph from lower half of the body collects
What parts of the body drain direct to deep lymph nodes?
Anterior thorax
Skin of glans penis
Clitoris
What are lacteals?
Specialised lymphatic capillaries which absorb and transport dietary fat including lipid-soluble vitamins (this milky fluid is called “chyle”)
