lymphatic - exam qs Flashcards
what are the primary functions of lymphatic system
immune surveillance and defence
maintenance of fluid balance in tissues
absorption of fats from digestive tract
where is lymph initially formed
interstitial fluid spaces
what structure is responsible for filtering lymph and trapping pathogens
lymph node
What is the largest lymphatic vessel in the body
thoracic duct
common cause of lymphedema
blockage of lymphatic vessels
Explain how the lymphatic system contributes to immune function
transporting immune cells - such as lymphocytes, throughout the body, filtering pathogens at lymph nodes and facilitating the immune response to infections
Describe the pathophysiology of lymphedema and how it impacts normal lymphatic function
blockage or dysfunction in the lymphatic system - fluid retention in tissues and swelling. this distributes normal flow of lymph and prevents removal of waste = chronic inflammation and infection
What is the significance of the thoracic duct in the lymphatic system
largest lymphatic vessel and is responsible for draining lymph
from most of the body (except the upper right quadrant) into the bloodstream at the junction of the left subclavian and internal jugular veins
Compare and contrast the roles of the thymus and the spleen in the lymphatic system
thymus is where T lymphocytes mature
spleen filters blood, removes old or damaged red blood cells, and houses lymphocytes to help fight infections
A patient presents with swollen lymph nodes in the neck and fever. What might thisindicate, and what is the role of the lymphatic system in this response
Swollen lymph nodes and fever are typically signs of infection or inflammation.
The lymphatic system is responding to the presence of pathogens by trapping them in lymph nodes and activating immune cells to fight the infection
