Lymphatic System Flashcards
What are the functions of the lymphatic system?
Transports interstitial fluid and plasma proteins to the blood (lymphatic vessels)
Transports dietary lipids from the GI tract to the blood (lymphatic vessels)
Help defend against disease through the production, maturation and proliferation of lymphocytes (lymphatic tissue and red bone marrow)
What do the the primary lymphatic organs do?
Convert stem cells into mature blood cells
Red bone marrow - gives rise to mature B-lymphocytes and immature T-lymphocytes
Thymus - gives rise to mature T-lymphocytes
What do the the secondary lymphatic organs do?
Where lymphocytes get “activated”
Lymph nodes *Spleen
What are lymph nodes?
Hundreds of small bean-shaped structures that are scattered along the lymphatic vessels throughout the body
What is the role of the spleen in the lymphatic system?
Largest single mass of lymphatic tissue in the body
Located in the left upper quadrant of the abdominal cavity (between stomach and diaphragm)
In addition to lymphocyte-activating functions, the spleen also assists in the removal and destruction of old blood cells
