Lymphatic system Flashcards
Lymphatic vessels
Carry lymph back to blood vessels, contains valves to prevent backflow
Lymphatic system functions
Return leaked fluid from capillaries to blood, stores and transport immune cells throught out the body
Lymphatic capillaries
Drains excess interstitial fluid surrounding cells
Lymphatic Trunks
Formed by lymphatic vessels
Lymphatic tissue
Site of white blood cell formation/maturation
Lymphatic organs
spleen, house some immune cells, initiation of immune response
Lymphatic functions
Fluid balance and immunity
Lymph
excess water in the lymphatic capillaries
Right Lymphatic duct
drains right side of head, right arm, and right chest
Thoracic Duct
Drains left side of head, left arm, left chest, entire abdomen and lower extremities
Primary lymphatic structure
Red bone marrow and thymus
Secondary lymphatic structures
lymph nodes
tonsils
spleen
mucosa-associated lymphatic tissues(malt)
Thymus
-located in mediastinum posterior to sternum
-site of T-cell maturation
-grows until puberty then gets smaller
Lymph nodes
-located in cervical, axillary, and inguinal regions
-site for lymphocyte activation
-site for leukocytes to destroy microorganisms/ debris
Tonsils
-forms a ring around pharynx
-immune surveillance for substances that pass through (air, water, food)