Lesson 8 - Lymph Flashcards
What is the thoracic duct?
In human anatomy, the thoracic duct is the largest lymphatic vessel of the lymphatic system. It drains into the systemic (blood) circulation at the angle of the left subclavian and internal jugular veins as a single trunk, at the commencement of the brachiocephalic vein. The lymph transport in the thoracic duct is mainly caused by the action of breathing, aided by the duct’s smooth muscle and by internal valves which prevent the lymph from flowing back down again. There are also two valves at the junction of the duct with the left subclavian vein, to prevent the flow of venous blood into the duct.
Why are there small gaps between cells?
Small things, such as water, oxygen, salts, carbon dioxide, nutrients, wastes, white blood cells (able to flatten their cytoplasm) can go in between.
Why is the press lower by the time the blood reaches the venus end?
Blood comes from arterioles into capillaries. There is some solute in the blood, which exerts solute pressure or solute potential. This draws water back into the blood vessel. There is more outwards pressure than there is solute movement. The water will come out and goes into between the cells. The water leaves, but albumin does not. Therefore, there is low pressure and high concentration by the time the blood reaches the venus end as some of the volume is lost.
What type of concentration and pressure does tissue fluid have?
Tissue fluid has medium concentration and the pressure of the fluid is quite moderate as well.
What are “free water molecules”?
Solutes are polar and water is polar as well, which means that they are attracted to each other and bond. The water molecules form a shell around the solute. Free water molecules float around in the solution and are not attached to the solute. Free water molecules can also move more easily than those molecules attached to solute.
What type of concentration and pressure does lymph have?
Lymph has very low pressure and moderate concentration.
What does tissue fluid contain?
Tissue fluid contains white blood cells, water, salts, nutrients, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and wastes.
What does lymph contain?
Lymph contains white blood cells, water, salts, and wastes.
