Lymphatic system Flashcards
Week 3
What are the functions of the lymphatic system?
- Drain excess interstitial fluid
- Absorb fats that are too big to enter blood capillaries
- Carry out immune responses
What is a lacteal?
A lacteal is a lymphatic capillary that absorbs dietary fats in the villi of the small intestine
What is the difference between the composition of lymph and interstitial fluid?
Lymph contains white blood cells and proteins, while interstitial fluid does not typically contain these components
How are lymphatic capillaries one way only vessels?
Fluid is able to flow into the vessel but not out, this is due to the overlapping structure of the simple squamous cells that make up the endothelium; when the pressure is higher in the interstitial fluid the cells separate slightly allowing the IF into the vessel, when pressure is greater inside, the cells are tightly packed not allowing the lymph to cross back into the IF.
What is the role of the spleen in the immune system?
It stores various immune system cells and houses phagocytes which filter pathogens out of the blood stream
What is the Thymus?
It is s gland like organ found behind the breast bone above the heart, thymus cell lymphocytes (T-cells) mature in the thymus and co-ordinate both the innate and adaptive immune systems
What are the five principle lymph trunks?
- Lumbar trunk
- Intestinal trunk
- Broncho mediastinal trunk
- Subclavian trunk
- Jugular trunk
Where dose lymph drain to after traveling through the trunks?
The thoracic duct and right lymphatic duct before draining into the subclavian veins
What are natural killer cells
Known as NK cells, are a type of cytotoxic lymphocyte critical to the innate immune system
