Lymphatic System Flashcards
What is the primary function of the lymphatic system?
To return tissue fluid from around the cells to the blood
The lymphatic system is a secondary transport system that complements the blood circulatory system.
What is tissue fluid?
Plasma without RBC’s, platelets, or large proteins
It surrounds all body cells and helps with the transfer of materials.
How does tissue fluid return to the plasma?
- Through blood capillaries (mostly)
- Some enter dead ending lymph vessels where it’s called lymph
Lymph is later returned to the bloodstream.
What is lymph made from?
Tissue fluid
Lymph contains white blood cells, proteins, and fats.
What are the mechanisms that help lymph move?
By muscles in the vessel walls and general bodily movements
Valves help control the direction of lymph flow.
Where does lymph return to the blood?
In the subclavian veins (near collar bone)
The subclavian veins are major veins that drain blood from the upper limbs.
What are lymph nodes?
Swellings found along lymph vessels that filter bacteria and store lymphocytes
Lymph nodes play a crucial role in the immune response.
What are the functions of the lymphatic system?
- To collect tissue fluid and return it to the blood
- To defend the body against infection
- To absorb & transport fats in the digestive system
Lymph is found in lacteals in the small intestine.
True or False: Lymph nodes store red blood cells.
False
Lymph nodes store lymphocytes, not red blood cells.
Fill in the blank: Lymph is found in _______ in the small intestine.
lacteals
Lacteals are specialized lymphatic vessels that absorb dietary fats.
What do lymphocytes do?
They can kill microorganisms and produce antibodies
Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell essential for the immune response.
How does the lymphatic system defend the body against infection?
By filtering microorganisms in lymph nodes and destroying them
This process includes engulfing and digesting them or producing antibodies.
