Lymphatic system Flashcards
1
Q
Function of the lymphatic system
A
- maintains balance of fluids and fights infection
- absorb macromolecules that cannot go into the capillaries
2
Q
How do things flow in the lymphatic system and where do they drain
A
- pressure drives this system but there are some small muscles
- skeletal muscle contraction can help
- right UE + head = right subclavian
- everything else = left subclavian
3
Q
What are the components of the lympathic system
A
- lymph vessels
- lymph nodes
- spleen
- thymus gland
- tonsils
- peyer’s patches (small intestine)
- lymphocytes
- bone marrow
4
Q
Fluid exchange with capillaries and lymph vessels
A
- in CV system most filtrate reabsorbed at venous end
- 2-3% is NOT picked up
- this excess is transported as lymph in lymphatic vessels (use of valves)
- any fluid that exceeds the capacity of the venous removal is picked up by the lymphatics
5
Q
lymphangitis: defintion
A
- inflammation of the lymphatic vessel
6
Q
lymphadenitis: defintion
A
- inflammation of one or more lymph nodes
7
Q
lymphedema
A
- an increased amount of lymph fluid in the soft tissues
- results in accumulation or protein rich fluid in EXTRACELLULAR spaces
8
Q
lymphadenopathy
A
- enlargement of the lymph nodes
9
Q
Lymphedema cause
A
- decreases lympathic transport capacity or increased lympathic load/blockage
10
Q
Stage 0 lymphedema
A
- Lymph transport capacity is reduced;
- no clinical edema present;
- symptomatic complaints possible
11
Q
Stage 1: lymphedema
A
- Accumulation of protein rich, pitting edema
- Reversible with elevation
- Area affected may be normal size on walking in the morning
- Increases with activity, heat and humidity
12
Q
Stage 2: lymphedema
A
- accumulation of protein rich non-pitting edema with CT scaring
- Irreversible
- Does not resolve overnight
- Increasingly more difficult to pit
- Clinical fibrosis is present
- Skin changes present
13
Q
Stage 3: lymphedemia
A
- Lymphostatic elephantiasis
- Accumulation of protein-rich edema with significant increase in connective and scar tissue.
- Severe non pitting fibrotic edema.
- Atrophic changes (hardening of dermal tissue, skin folds, skin papillomas, and hyperkeratosis
14
Q
Usualy signs and symptoms of lymphedema
A
- Slow onset, progressive
- Pitting (early stages)
- Stemmer’s sign positive (try to pinch and can’t = positive)
- Dorsum of foot buffalo hump
- Rarely painful, however discomfort (heaviness and achiness) is common
- Skin changes in the LE lymph-edema may include hyperkeratosis, papillomas
- In contrast with venous disease the skin maintains hydration and elasticity for longer in the disease process
15
Q
What can go along with lymedema
A
-Cellulitis is common due to back up of fluid
