Lymphatic system Flashcards
Functions of lymphatic system (4)
Remove excess fluids from body tissues
Micro-organisms/ foreign materials
Products of fat digestion
Lymphocytes
5 structures of lymphatic system
Capillaries
Vessels
Ducts
Nodes
Tissues
Lymphatic capillaries (3)
= Smallest lymphatic vessels
Networks
Lacteals
How is lymph moved through lymphatic vessels
Passive movement of lymph through lymphatic vessels
Contraction of surrounding muscles
Backflow is prevented presence of valves
Function of afferent vessels?
Deliver lymph to lymph nodes
Function of efferent vessels?
Vessels which leave the lymph nodes
Function of lymph nodes?
Filter lymph that travels from tissues to ducts
Where are lymphocytes and phagocytic cells found?
Lymph nodes
What is removed through lymph nodes as lymph passes through them?
Invading micro-organisms
Dead cells
Debris
3 ducts?
Thoracic
Right lymphatic
Tracheal
Thoracic duct
Main lymphatic duct
Collects from almost all of the body
Drains into jugular vein or cranial vena cava
Right lymphatic duct
Drains from head, neck, thorax and right forelimb
Drains into right jugular or cranial vena cava
Tracheal ducts
Drains from head and neck
Drains into thoracic ducts or one of main vessels near heart
What does enlargement of individual lymph node suggests?
Infection and perhaps disease in process in that drainage area
Names of the 6 lymph nodes
Submandibular - below mandibles
Parotid - below ears
Prescapular - front of shoulders
Axillary - in axillae/ armpits
Popliteal - behind stifle joint
Superficial inguinal - in groin