Lesson 7: The Lymphatic System Flashcards
what is interstitial fluid and where is it found
an intermediary fluid that exists between cells
where is excess interstitial fluid collected/stored
lymph vessels
what is the collected fluid in lymph vessels referred to as
lymph
explain the 3 purposes of the lymphatic system
it absorbs fats from the digestive tract and transport them to the bloodstream, the lymphatic capillaries absorb and transport excess lymphatic fluid to the bloodstream, and the lymphoid organs fight infection by cleansing lymph and producing lymphocytes
what are lymphocytes
a type of white blood cell that produces antibodies
describe the direction/movement of the lymphatic system(where does it start? end?)
the system doesn’t form a loop. it moves in one direction, from the tissues back to the blood vessels
where does the collected lymph re-enter the circulatory system
the subclavian veins located under the collarbone
what are lymph nodes? where are they located
small structures that appear along lymph vessels
what is the function of the lymph nodes
they produce and store lymphocytes and help filter the lymph of pathogens and debris
what are some of THE lymphocytes
T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells
what is the spleen
a glandular organ located behind the stomach
what are the 3 purposes of the spleen
it acts as a reservoir for blood(when blood pressure drops, it contracts to push blood into the bloodstream), acts as a reservoir for B and T cells(which fight infection), and its white blood cells phagocytize red blood cells and recycle the iron
can you live without the spleen
yes
what is the thymus gland and where is it located
a mass of lymphoid tissue found in the upper chest situated between the lungs
what is the function of the thymus gland
it functions in the housing, development and elimination of lymphocytes
