Lymphatic Lecture Flashcards
Lymph Organs -
Spleen
Thymus
What is the largest lymph organ?
the spleen
It does some immune stuff
Distinctly cardiovascular stuff
Thymus – is
- a gland
- produces hormones
(thymopeitin & thymosin) - aids the lymphatic system
(trains the T cells)
(B cells form and mature in the bone marrow)
(T cells form in the bone marrow and mature in the thymus)
Spleen is connected to
vascular system but not the lymphatic system
Children born without a thymus…
DO NOT develop a functional immune system
Functions of the spleen
- has white blood cells - macrophages
- very generalist WBCs
- going to look out for infectious agents (bacteria)
- will do phagocytosis
- helps remove worn-out red blood cells
- helps deal with excess platelets (blood clotting platelets)
- helps deal with bacteria
- Fetal spleen produces RBCs
- Sever anemia can initiate RBC formation
- Spleen can CONTRACT to RELEASE 200-300 ml of BLOOD back to circulation (as in hemorrhaging - severe blood loss_
Lymphatic system connects
lymphatic system and immune system
Basic Lymph function
- Excess NFP (net filtration pressure)
- Disease surveillance - aids in immunity
- Lipid transport to GI to circulation –
(Does NOT transport through the blood). - Lipid absorption from the digestion system:
1. goes into the lymphatic system
2. then to circulation
3. where it plays a normal role in metabolic processes - can take food and use it for energy
Lymphatic system consists of three parts
- A network of lymphatic vessels
- Lymph nodes - filter fluid (around the jaw line)
- Lymphoid organs - disease prevention
The goal of the lymphatic vessels
- ensure one-directional flow
- Lymph vessels are DEAD-END –unlike cardiovascular system which is a circuit
- They hang out in the extremities
- as they soak up fluid they have to push fluid back
There is no force in the lymphatic system - it relies on other factors.
Lymphatic capillaries are made of
single layer of endothelium
The cells overlap instead of being physically connected
Has pseudo valves for one way flow - do not open and shut
Lymphatics - capillaries merge & empty into two ducts:
- R lymphatic duct
- Thoracic duct
The lymphatic ducts empty into the
subclavian veins
Which lymphatic duct does the most work?
Thoracic Duct
What areas of the body do the lymphs drain to (2 areas)
- R lymphatic duct - drains R half of head, R arm, & R upper chest
- Thoracic duct - drains the rest of the body lymph (does the most work)