Lymphatic system Flashcards
What is the function of lymphatic vessels?
collect and carry away excess fluid from interstitial spaces, eventually returning it to the blood
What are lacteals?
specialised lymphatic vessels in the small intestine responsible for absorbing and transporting fats and fat-soluble vitamins
What is lymph?
tissue fluid that has entered a lymphatic capillary
What is tissue fluid?
water and dissolved substances that leave blood capillaries by filtration and diffusion
How is lymph formed?
Excess tissue fluid is drained from the tissue, entering lymphatic vessels
What ensures that lymph only flows in one direction?
cup-shaped valves along the length of the lymphatic capillaries
What are the 3 layers of the lymphatic vessel?
Tunica Adventitia (outermost layer)
Tunica Media (Middle layer)
Tunica Intima (innermost layer)
what are the two ducts called in the lymphatic system?
Thoracic duct
Right Lymphatic Duct
Describe the location of lymphatic capillaries
paralell to blood capillaries
What is the function of a lymphatic capillary?
recieve tissue (interstitial) fluid through their thin walls
Where does the right lymphatic duct drain?
the right side of the head and neck, the right arm and right thorax
Where does the right lymphatic duct empty?
Right subclavian vein
Where does the thoracic duct drain?
drains the majority of the body
Where does the thoracic duct empty?
left subclavian vein
What is an afferent lymphatic vessel?
lymphatic vessel that carrys lymph toward a lymph node
