Lymphatic drainage of the thorax Flashcards
why do we need a lymphatic system?
more fluid leaves capillaries than returns
a place where foreign particles can interact with the immune system
what is the main thoracic duct?
thoracic duct
where does the body drain?
upper right drains into the right subclavian vein but the rest goes into the left subclavian vein via thoracic duct
what are some key features of the lymphatic system?
- blind-ended
- lymph vessels get larger as they reach the point where they return to circulation
- no pump so there are VALVES
- unidirectional flow
what does lymph look like?
clear and odorless in most vessels
- milky in the small intestines
which nodes does lymph from the thoracic wall drain?
anterior part = parasternal
ribs = intercostal
diaphragm = diaphragmatic
where and what is the cisterna chyli?
below the diaphragm and collects fluid from the lower limbs
which vessels do each of the nodes drain into? parasternal intercostal (upper) intercostal (lower) diaphragmatic superficial
- parasternal= bronchomediastinal trunks
- intercostal (upper)= bronchomediastinal trunks
- intercostal (lower) = thoracic duct
diaphragmatic = brachiocephalic +aortic/lumbar part of thoracic duct - superficial = parasternal
where does the thoracic duct begin and cross to the left side?
starts at L2 and crosses to the left side at T5
what is the largest collection in the lymph nodes?
tracheo-bronchial lymph nodes
under bifurcation of the trachea
how does the lung drain its lymph?
tracheo-bronchial vessels join parasternal vessels = right and left brachiocephalic trunk
how does the heart drain?
into brachiocephalic and tracheobronchial vessels (follow coronoary arteries)
where do nodes on the aorta get lymph from and where does it drain into?
from: oesophagus, diaphragm, liver, pericardium
to: thoracic duct
