Lymphatic System Flashcards
What is the lymphatic system consisted of?
Lymph, lymphatic vessels and structures that contain lymphatic tissue (contain many lymphocytes)
What is the function of the lymphatic system?
Immune responses:
- drain interstitial fluid
- transport dietary lipids
- protect against pathogens
Do lymph capillaries have 1 or 2 open/closed ends? Where are these capillaries located?
1 closed end
- tissue spaces btwn cells
When is lymph formed?
Interstitial fluid draining into lymphatic capillaries
Lymph capillaries merge to form larger vessels called:
lymphatic vessels
What do lymphatic vessels do?
convey lymph in and out of lymph nodes
What is the route of lymph flow?
Lymph capillaries, lymph vessels, lymph trunks, throracic duct/right lymphatic duct, subclavian veins
How does lymph flow happen? What aids with this flow?
Skeletal muscle contractions and respiratory mvmts
- valves in lymphatic vessels aid
What are the primary lymphatic organs?
- Red bone marrow
- thymus (site of T cell maturation, immunity role)
What are the secondary lymphatic organs?
- lymph nodes
- spleen
- lymphatic nodules
What are lymph nodes for?
site of proliferation of plasma cells and T cells
Where are lymph nodes found?
- scattered throughout body in superficial/deep groups
- principle groups in head/neck, upper/lower limbs, abdomen, pelvis, thorax
How would you describe the mass of the spleen?
Largest single mass of lymphatic tissue in body
What is the spleen for?
- site of B cell proliferation into plasma cells
- site of phagocytosis of bacteria and worn-out RBC
Where are lymphatic nodules found?
scattered throughout mucosa of GI tract, respiratory, urinary, and reproductive tracts
What is MALT
mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (type of lymphatic nodule)
