Lymphatic system

Question 1

Lymphatic systems role in CVS

Answer 1

• The lymphatic system is an accessory route by which interstitial fluid can be returned to the circulation
• On average, slightly more fluid is filtered out of the capillaries than is reabsorbed (~3litres/day).
• This, plus protein that leaks out of capillaries, is returned to the circulation via the lymphatic system
• Transport of lymph occurs by means of compression of lymphatic vessels by skeletal muscle contraction, aided by one-way valves in vessels
• The lymph percolates through lymph nodes (little swellings that allow fluid to sit for longer periods of time) which contain phagocytes that destroy bacteria - part of body’s defence system

Question 2

SUMMARY

Answer 2

• lymph vessels will reabsorb ECF excreted from capillaries
• role of the lymph system, is replenishing the blood supply w/ fluid thats been lost from the process of filtration
• returns fluid in the lymph vessels back into the circulation - fluid gets moved back centrally into thoracic cavity