Lymphatic System

Question 1

Lymphatic vessels

Answer 1

extensive and complex network, everywhere in the body EXCEPT for the brain, bone marrow, and avascular tissue (epithelia and cartilage)

Question 2

“start to finish” pathway of LS

Answer 2

porous blind-ended capillaries located in body tissues – form large vessels that ultimately connect with large veins in the neck

Question 3

What do lymphatic vessels carry?

Answer 3

fluid lost from vascular capillary beds during nutrient exchange, cell debris, pathogens, cell products (hormones), lymphocytic cells

Question 4

Two types of fluid in lymphatic vessels

Answer 4

lymph and chyle

Question 5

Lymph

Answer 5

clear, colorless liquid

Question 6

Chyle

Answer 6

milky, opaque liquid containing chylomicrons (protein coated lipid droplets from the GI epithelium, released via lacteals)

Question 7

By what mechanism(s) does fluid move through the lymphatic system?

Answer 7

• valves in the vessels (maintain unidirectional flow)

- contraction of adjacent skeletal muscle/arterial pressure

Question 8

Lymph nodes

Answer 8

small encapsulated “interruptions” (honeycomb of reticular connective tissue) in the vessels of the lymphatic system that contain lymphocytes and macrophages - essentially slow, efficient filters

Question 9

What do Lymph nodes detect?

Answer 9

foreign antigens

Question 10

List the lymph nodes in the body/

Answer 10

(from superior to inferior) * indicates can be palpated
cervical*
tracheal
axillary*
deep
inguinal*
femoral*

Question 11

Lymphatic Trunks and Ducts

Answer 11

vessels converge to form trunks/ducts that drain to venous system at the brachiocephalic trunk (where the internal jugular veins meet subclavian veins)

Question 12

Right vs. Left side of body drainage

Answer 12

Right half of head, right upper limb, right upper half of torso drains to right side of neck
Left half of head, left upper limb, left upper half of torso, lower half of torso and legs drain to the left side of the neck

Question 13

Clinical relevance of lymph nodes (ITC)

Answer 13

lymph nodes can become swollen, tender, and inflamed when activated (exposed to a foreign antigen or pathogen) - can be palpated and physicians are able to track the course of infection and disease progression

cancer - b/c lymph nodes are slow working, if a metastatic cell reaches the node, it can become lodged and form secondary tumors that may need removed if clinically symptomatic

Question 14

Lymphoma (ITC)

Answer 14

primary lymph node malignancy