Lymphatic System Flashcards
Lymphatic system
A diverse group of organs, tissues, and vessels. It combats harmful agents internally and externally. It also works with the cardiovascular system to maintain fluid homeostasis in the extracellular fluid and gastrointestinal system to absorb fats.
Primary functions of the lymphatic system
Transporting excess interstitial fluid back to the heart
1st- water enters lymph capillaries (lymph) and is delivered to larger lymph collecting vessels which have valves.
2nd- lymph collecting vessels drain into lymph trunks. There are nine main lymph trunks
- jugular trunk, drains head and neck
- subclavian trunk, drain upper limbs
- bronchomediastinal trunk, drains the thorax
- intestinal trunk, drains the abdomen
- lumbar trunk, drains the pelvis and lower limbs
Lymph trunks then drain into lymph ducts. There are two lymph ducts.
Right lymphatic duct- drains the right upper limb and right side of the head, neck, thorax
Thoracic duct - drains lymph from remainder of the body.
Primary functions of the lymphatic system
Absorbing dietary fats
Fats enter capillary called a lacteal. The lacteal delivers the fats to lymph collecting vessels and intestinal trunks after which they enter a large lymphatic vessel called the cisterna chyli. The cisterna chyli drains into the thoracic duct and joins the rest of the lymph.
Collecting lymphatic vessels
Same three tunics as veins; the second smallest lymph vessel
Lymphatics
Transport fluid back into the blood that leaks from the vascular system
Lymphoid tissue
A type of loose connective tissue called reticular connective tissue; dominates all lymphoid organs except the thymus
How are lymphatic capillaries different from blood capillaries
Lymphatic capillaries have endothelial flap valves, but blood capillaries do not
Lymphatic capillaries
Smallest lymphatic vessels that collect tissue fluid
What lymphoid organ cleanses the lymph
Lymph nodes
Thoracic duct
It drains the lymph from the entire left side of the body and also the right abdomen and leg
Lymphatic ducts
Largest vessel; carry lymph fluid to subclavian veins
Tumors that block lymphatics or lymphatics are removed during cancer surgery may result in what condition
Lymphedema
Describe the lymphatics role in relation to the cardiovascular system
It maintains blood volume and hence pressure
Lymphangitis presents itself as
Red lines under the skin that are sensitive to touch
Adenoids
Located in the posterior wall of the nasopharynx. When enlarged called adenoids.
Pharyngeal tonsil
