Lymphatic System Flashcards
Lymphatic system
network of vessels that assist in circulating body fluids away from interstitial spaces and into the bloodstream.
Pathogens
Disease causing agents
Lymphatic pathways
Lymphatic capillaries, microscopic closed ended tubes, simple squamous epithelium, interstitial fluid passes through epithelium and into the capillaries.
Lymphatic capillaries
In small intestine absorb fats and transport them to venous circulation
Tissue fluid and Lymph
Same composition as blood plasma (nutrients, gases and hormones) but no plasma proteins because they are usually too large to pass through capillaries by filtration.
Lymphatic vessels
Walls are composed of 3 layers; an endothelial lining, a middle layer of smooth muscle and elastic fibers and an outer layer of connective tissue. semilunar valves which help prevent backflow of lymph.
Lymph nodes
Filter foreign particles from lymph before returning it to bloodstream. monitor body fluids for foreign particles, along with bone marrow they are site for lymphocyte production, lymphocytes attack viruses, bacteria and parasitic cells that lymphatic vessels bring to nodes, macrophages engulf and destroy foreign substances, damaged cells and cellular debris.
Lymphatic trunks and collecting ducts
Lymph enters the venous system and becomes part of plasma before blood returns to right atrium.
Thoracic duct
Drains lymph from the intestinal, lumbar, and intercostal trunks, left subclavian left jugular and left bronchomediastinal trunks emptying them into the left subclavian vein near the junction of the left jugular vein.
Right lymphatic duct
Drains fluid from the right jugular, right subclavian and right bronchomediastinal trunks emptying them into the right subclavian vein near the junction of the right jugular vein.
Hilum
Portion of a lymph node connected to blood vessels and nerves
Lymph nodules
Compartments within the node that are partitioned by connective tissue and contain actively lymphocytes and macrophages (structural unit of a lymph node)
Lymph sinuses
Spaces in a lymph node providing a complex network of chambers and channels through which lymph circulates.
Cervical region lymph nodes
drain the skin of the scalp and face, scalp, nasal passages and pharynx.
Axillary region lymph nodes
drain the upper limbs, the wall of the thorax, the mammary glands and the upper wall of abdomen
Supratrochlear region lymph nodes
superficially on the medial side of the elbow. Drains hands and forearms
Inguinal region lymph nodes
Drain lower limbs, the external genitalia, and the lower abdominal wall.
Pelvic cavity lymph nodes
Drain pelvic region
Abdominal cavity lymph nodes
Drain abdominal viscera.
Thoracic cavity lymph nodes
Drain thoracic viscera and internal wall of the thorax.
Two other lymphatic organs whose functions are similar to those of the lymph nodes
Thymus and spleen
T lymphocytes (T cells)
Thymocytes that mature and leave the thymus and provide immunity.
Thymus
Larger in children, shrinks after puberty and is quite small in adults. Lobules contain many lymphocytes (developed in bone marrow) most of which are inactive (thymocytes- some mature into T lymphocytes and leave the thymus)
Spleen
Largest lymphatic organ. Blood reservoir houses macrophages that remove foreign particles, damaged red blood cells, and cellular debris from the blood; contains lymphocytes.
Innate defense
Include species resistance, mechanical barriers, chemical barriers ( enzyme action, interferon, and complement), natural killer cells, inflammation, phagocytosis, and fever. Respond rapidly.
Adaptive defense
More directed responses are carried out by specialized lymphocytes that recognize foreign molecules (nonself antigens) in the body and act against them. Adaptive defense are slower to respond.
Defensins
Peptides produced by neutrophils and other types of granular white blood cells in the intestinal epithelium, the urogenital tract, the kidneys, and the skin.
Collectins
Proteins that provide broad protection against bacteria, yeasts, and some viruses.