Lymphatic System Flashcards
What are the functions of the lymphatic system?
removes excess fluid from body tissue (outside of capillaries)
absorbs and transports of fatty acids
development and activation of immune cells
What is interstitial fluid called once it enters the lymphatic system?
lymph
How does interstitial fluid enter the lymphatic capillary?
Through an opening in the capillary
What do lymphatic capillaries contain to prevent backflow of lymph?
valves
What type of tissue is the lymphatic capillary wall made of? Same as blood capillaries.
thin layer of simple squamous epithelium
what is the path of lymph in the lymphatic system?
lymphatic capillaries –> lymphatic vessels –> lymph nodes –> lymph trunks –> drain to lymphatic ducts –> subclavian veins and ultimately superior vena cava
what are the two major ducts in the thoracic cavity?
thoracic duct
right lymphatic duct
What areas of the body does the right lymphatic duct drain?
right side of head face
right side thoracic cavity
right upper extremity
what does thoracic duct drain?
left side of head
left thoracic cavity
abdominal cavity
left side of body
lower extremeties
Where does the right lymphatic duct drain?
right subclavian vein into superior vena cava
where does thoracic duct drain?
left subclavian vein into superior vena cava
What are the 5 ways lymph transport is propelled? Similar to venous blood transport.
milking of skeletal muscle
thoracic breathing
valves prevent backflow
nearby arteries pulse and can push fluid
contractions of smooth muscle cells in larger lymphatic ducts
What are the two primary lymphatic organs?
red bone marrow
thymus
Where are lymphocytes developed? primary or secondary lymphatic tissue?
primary
Which cells are formed and become immunocompetent in the red bone marrow?
b-cells
Which cells mature in the thymus and become immunocompetent?
t-cells
Where are t-cells and b-cells created?
red bone marrow
Where is the thymus located?
in the mediastinum above the pericardium/heart and between the lungs
What are the secondary lymphatic organs?
lymph nodes
spleen
lymphatic nodules
Where do developed lymphocytes hang out?
lymph nodes
In the lymphatic path, where do pathogens come in contact lymphocytes?
lymph node
Are lymph nodes found near the body surface or deeper?
body surface
where in the body do you find large clusters of lymph nodes?
inguinal, axillary, cervical
What cells are found in lymph nodes?
T-cells
B-cell
phagocytes
What type of vessel does lymph flow through to enter the lymph node?
afferent lymphatic vessel
what type of vessel does lymph exit through the lymph node?
efferent lymphatic vessel
why are there more afferent than efferent lymphatic vessels leading to the lymph node?
less exit options give the lymph more time to be processed in the lymph node before exiting the node and returning to the blood
What is the largest lymphatic organ?
spleen
where is the spleen located?
above and behind stomach on left side just under ribs
do the spleen and the thymus have an outter capsule that protect the inside?
yes
What happens at the hilum on the spleen? and what are vein and artery called here?
where the blood comes in and out
splenic artery brings blood in
splenic vein brings blood out
What is most of the tissue of the spleen for?
breaks down old red blood cells
removes debris
is the spleen kind of like a large lymphnode that identifies antigens and acts on them?
yes
What are the two types of tissue inside the spleen?
white pulp
red pulp
what happens in the spleen white pulp?
immune surveillance
what happens in the red pulp of the spleen?
breakdown and recycle of red blood cells
is the white pulp or red pulp more abundant in the spleen?
red
Where are the splenic cords and sinusoids located within the spleen?
red pulp
What are characteristics of lymphoid tissue around the body?
lymphocytes proliferate
surveillance for pathogens
mostly made of reticular connective tissue
What are the two main types of lymphoid tissue?
diffuse lymphoid tissue
lymphoid follicles
What are lymphatic nodules (not lymph nodes)?
masses of lymphatic tissue not surrounded by a capsule located along mucous membranes
What is masses of lymphatic tissue that are not surrounded by a capsule are located throughout the body for?
for any pathogens, bacteria, virus, fungi, parasites that have penetrated through mucous membranes
What is another name for loose lymphatic tissue? (the lymphatic nodules)
MALT
mucosa-associated lymphatic tissue
Where is MALT (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue) located in general and where are the specific largest collections?
mucous membranes throughout the body
tonsils, peyer’s patches (along digestive tract), appendix
What does MALT (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue) do?
protects from pathogens
What makes MALT different than lymph nodes?
they do not have a capsule surround them and protecting them
they are clusters of tissue around the body
What is the difference between lymph and interstitial fluid?
