Lymphatic system Flashcards
What is the function of the lymphatic system ?
Tissue drainage and return of plasma and plasma proteins
Absorbed fat transport from gut
Immunity
Describe the role of the lymphatic system ?
Absorbs interstitial fluid and returns it back to the venous system while cleaning the fluid
What volume of fluid is normally absorbed by the lymphatic system each day ?
8l
How does fluid flow through the lymphatic system ?
It relies on muscle contraction, pressure changes and gravity, It also uses valves.
What happens to the lymphatics during an infection ?
Fluid flow into the extracellular spaces increases as a result of protein accumulation in the an area of tissue. This drive more fluid into the lymphatics and therefore brings increases node involvement and increase immune response as the lymph passing through tissue containing the antigen from infection.
What is ‘lymph’
Cell free plasma which enters the lymphatic capillaries
What happens to the composition of lymph as it moves through the lymphatic system ?
Gains lymphocytes as it flows through the lymphatic capillaries and channels. It gains fat at the small intestine.
What is the average size of a lymph node ?
0.1-2.5cm
What happens in a lymph node ?
There is a lot of immunological action
How are lymph nodes grouped ?
They can exist in groups or individually.
found at the base of major arterial trunks
What volume of lymph is passed through a lymph node ?
about half
How many lymph nodes does someone have ?
450
Where can you find 250 lymph nodes ?
Abdomen
What are the two locations of lymph nodes ?
Deep
Superficial
Describe deep lymph nodes
Associated with mesenteries (fold in the membrane of the intestine)
Describe superficial lymph nodes
found in the femoral triangle and at the base of the lower limb
What are some examples of pathology involving lymph nodes ?
Primary tumours such as Hodgkin’s
Secondary tumours such as metastasis
Infections such as TB and glandular fever
Inflammatory hyperplasia
How does lymph drain ?
Right upper quadrant to the right lymphatic duct.
Rest of body to the thoracic duct.
What is the angle into which lymph drains ?
Angle between the jugular and the subclavian veins.
describe the role of the lymphatic system in the transportation of fat
As well as draining tissue lymph is also used to transport fat. Lymph returning from the small intestine is laden with absorbed fats, which will also drain to the superior vena cava and eventually to the liver for absorption.
What is the role of the lymphatic system in the production of lymphocytes ?
It is where they are generated and mature
What lymph tissue is involved in immunity ?
Thymus and bone marrow (primary) Spleen lymph nodes Peyer's patches tonsils
Where can the spleen be found ?
upper left quadrant of abdomen
How does the spleen discharge blood ?
via smooth muscle action.
Where is there no lymphatic drainage from ?
Cartilage
Bone
CNS
Majority of the liver and spleen
