Lymphatic System Flashcards
Name the lymphatic organs
Small intestine
Thymus
What is the function of the spleen?
- helps clear debris from blood
- removes dead or damaged cells from blood
- has Huge blood supply(stores blood)
- can make blood cells in emergency
- production of lymphocytes
What is the thymus’s role in the lymphatic system?
- lies in cranial thorax
- decreases in size as animal ages
- Responsible for production of lymphocytes
What is the small intestines role in the lymphatic system?
Small amounts of lymphoid tissue is found here known as ‘peyers patches’
Describe lymph fluid
Pale watery liquid found in lymphatic vessels
Known as intestinal fluid
What happens to lymph fluid in the lymphatic system?
- Pressure in arteries forces some fluid through artery walls and into surrounding tissues.
- Fluid drawn back into venous system by osmosis
Describe a lymph node
Small kidney shaped collections of lymphatic tissue
What is the function of lymph nodes?
Contain lymphocytes and phagocytes
Help fight infection
Describe lymphatic capillaries
Thin walled, delicate tubes, from networks within tissues
What is the function of lymphatic capillaries?
Collects excess fluid
In the villi of small intestine they are called lacteals and responsible for collecting up products of fat digestion
Describe a lymphatic vessel
- similar structures to veins
- posses closely spaced valves to prevent backflow
What is the function of lymphatic vessels?
They rely on muscle movement to move lymph along.
What is the function of the lymphatic system?
- Returns excess fluid to the blood
- Transports large proteins and other debris into the blood
MAIN function- removes tissue fluid and debris from capillary beds and return it back to circulation.
What makes up the lymphatic system?
Lymphatic capillaries
Lymphatic vessels
Lymphatic nodes
Lymph fluid
Spleen
Thymus
What passes into the lymphatic vessels from the circulatory system?
Tissue fluid and becomes lymph
