Lymphatic Flashcards
What are the functions of the lymphatic system?
- return excess interstitial (tissue) fluid to blood
- returns plasma proteins to blood
- body defense
- transports fat-soluble vitamins/fatty acids from intestines (to blood) to liver
Describe a lymphatic capillary
- one layer thick
- closed-ended tubes
- porous
- lacteal
- they just kind of “start”
Describe a lymphatic vessel
- similar to veins
- thin-walled
- valves
What do lymph trunks do?
Transport fluid from vessels to trunks
What do Collecting Ducts do?
-empty into venous circulation (return fluid back)
What is the order of fluid flow in the lymphatic system?
1) Lymphatic Capillary
2) Afferent lymphatic vessel
3) Lymph node
4) Efferent lymphatic vessel
5) lymphatic trunk
6) collecting duct
7) subclavian vein
How does the Right Lymphatic Collecting Duct work?
- Drains right head, neck, arm, thorax
- Empties into the right subclavian vein
What are two Collecting Ducts?
- Right Lymphatic
- Thoracic Duct
What part of the body empties into the thoracic duct?
-Drains rest of body
What is a Lymph?
-Tissue fluid enclosed within lymphatic vessel
What is the color of lymph?
Normally clear watery fluid but may appear “milky” (chyle) (fat digestion)
What makes up lymph?
-Contains water, proteins, immune substances, nutrients, etc
What must exist for lymph to flow
A pressure gradient
What creates pressure gradients?
- Skeletal muscle contraction 2. breathing movements 3. contractility of vessels
What is edema/lymphedema
Build up of fluid
What are the lymphatic organs? (4)
- Lymph nodes 2. Thymus 3. Spleen 4. Bone marrow
Are lymph nodes found in groups?
Yes
Name the superficial lymph groups. (3)
- Cervical 2. Axillary 3. Inguinal
Name the deep lymph groups. (3)
- Pelvic 2. Abdominal 3. Thoracic
Are lymph nodes lacking in CNS?
Yes
Name two specialized lymph nodes.
- Peyer’s patches 2. Tonsils
Where is the thymus located?
In the mediastinum
Which lymph organ atrophies with age?
Thymus
Where does T cell development occur?
Thymus
What does the thymus secrete?
Thymosins
Where is the spleen located?
Upper left abdomen
Which organ contains blood sinuses?
Spleen
What do the lobules in the spleen consist of?
Pulp (red and white)
Lymphocytes are primarily where?
White pulp
What is the function of the spleen? (3)
- Blood reservoir 2. Filters blood 3. Body Defense
What vitamins are fat soluble?
A, D, E, K
What does the thoracic collecting duct originate at?
-Originates as “cisterna chyli”
What does the thoracic collecting duct receive from the liver?
-Receives chyle from intestines
What vein does the thoracic collecting duct empty into?
Left subclavian vein (is returned by the left subclavian vein)
