Lymphatic System Flashcards
Briefly describe the composition of lymph.
Similar to plasma but has less protein, more leukocytes and no erythrocytes.
Describe the various roles of lymph.
Returns tissue fluid to circulation, also circulates lymphocytes around the body.
Describe one role of lymph nodes in the lymphatic system.
Filters foreign particles by trapping them.
Describe one role of bone marrow in the lymphatic system.
Produces leukocytes.
What are the key functions of the lymphatic system?
- Maintaining fluid levels in the body tissue by returning excess fluid to the circulation system.
- Absorbing fats from the digestive tract and transporting them to the blood circulation.
- Protecting the body against foreign invading pathogens.
- Transporting and moving waste products and abnormal cells from the lymph.
Describe lymph vessels.
Closed ended with lymph flowing in one-direction.
How is lymph movement controlled?
By valves similar to those in veins.
How is lymph moved?
Along lymph vessel by the squeezing action of surrounding muscles.
How does lymph return to the blood circulation?
Vis ducts into the left and right subclavian veins.
What system is the lymphatic complementary to?
Circulatory system
What are lymph nodes?
Swelling at intervals atom the lymph vessels.
Describe the functions of lymph nodes.
- They monitor and cleanse the lymph as it is filtered through them.
- Filter out damaged cells, pathogens and cancer cells.
- Store lymphocytes, phagocytes and other immune system cells that attack and destroy bacteria and other harmful substances in the lymph.
What are groups of lymph nodes called?
Chains
Where are some lymph nodes located in the body?
- Armpit
- Groin
- Neck
Describe the function of the following lymph nodes: spleen, thymus, tonsils and adenoids, appendix and peyer’s patches.
- Spleen: largest lymphatic organ. Filters and stores blood and produces white blood cells that fight infection/disease.
- Thymus: matures a specific type of white blood call that attack pathogens.
- Tonsils/adenoids: trap pathogens from the food eaten and the air breathed. Body’s first line of defence against foreign invaders.
- Appendix: contains lymphoid tissue that can destroy bacteria before it breaches the intestine wall during absorption.
- Peyer’s patches: small masses of lymphatic tissue in the mucous membrane that lines the small intestine. The lymphoid cells monitor and destroy bacteria in the intestines.
