Lymphatic System Flashcards
Where does lymph enter the vein?
At the junction of the internal jugular veins
What is the lymphatic system made up of? (5)
Lymphatic vessels
Lymph
Lymphoid tissue
Lymph nodes
Lymphatic organs
Where do the lymphatic vessels begin?
At the capillaries
What is the general function of the lymphatic system?
Maintains fluid balance in the body
Immunity
Fat absorption
What is lymph collected from?
Interstitial fluid, which fills spaces between cells
What are the lymphatic vessels?
Lymphatic capillaries
Lymphatic vessels (lymphatics)
lymphatic trunks
Thoracic duct and right lymphatic duct
What are lacteals?
Capillaries originating in small intestinal villi
Describe lymphatic capillaries
Only open on one end
Has clefts that interstitial fluid enters through
Has valves that ensure one way flow of lymph out of tissue
Describe lymphatic vessels (lymphatics)
Resembles veins in structure
Thinner walls
More valves
Contain lymph nodes
Describe lymphatic trunks, and ducts
Lymphatic trunks, drain lymph from lymphatic vessels
They merge to form the thoracic duct and right lymphatic duct
Name the 5 lymphatic trunks
Jugular
Subclavian
Broncomediastinal
Lumbar
Intestinal
Described the circulation of lymph
Fluids from lymphatic capillaries, to larger vessels, reenters blood at junction of internal jugular and subclavian vein
Lymphs > trunks > ducts
There are more afferent than efferent lymphatic vessels
True
What is the flow of lymph called?
Lymphokinesis
What affects pressure in lymphatic vessels?
Skeletal muscle pump
respiratory pump
What is a special x-ray of the lymph nodes called?
Lymphangiogram
How does the skeletal muscle pump work in affecting the flow of lymph?
When muscles contract, they squeeze the vessels pushing liquid in one direction as well as prevent them from going backwards
What are lymph nodes?
What structure is enclosed by a fibrous capsule?
Where are lymph nodes found?
All along lymphatic vessels, they serve as checkpoints to filter out, harmful microbes from lymph
Name the internal structures of a lymph node
Afferent vessels
Subscapular sinus
Trabecular sinus
Medullary sinus
Efferent vessel
Name three regional lymph nodes
Cervical
Axillary
Inguinal
What is the cisterna chyli?
Drains lymph from the digestive organs
What are the functions of lymph nodes in terms of defense?
Filtration
Phagocytosis
Infection/ inflammation when overwhelmed
Name three lymphatic organs
Tonsils
Thymus
Spleen
What are the tonsils?
Mass of lymphoid tissue under mucous membranes in the mouth and back of throat
Name the 3 locations of the tonsils
Palatine
Pharyngeal
Lingual
Describe the thymus.
(What and where)
Primary organ of the lymphatic system
Located in the mediastinum
Name the functions of the thymus
Vital role in immunity
Source of lymphocytes before birth
Begins secreting thymosin after birth that enables lymphocytes to develop into T-cells
Where in the thymus do T cells mature?
Medulla
Where is the spleen located?
In the left hypocondrium
Name some functions of the spleen
Defense
Tissue repair
Hematopoiesis
RBC and platelet destruction
Blood reservoir
What is lymphedema?
Blockage of lymph vessels resulting in swelling of extremities
What is lymphangitis?
Inflammation of lymph vessels
What is elephantiasis?
Also called filariasis
Infection caused by parasites that damages the lymphatic system
