Lymphatic System

Question 1

The fluid in the blood

Answer 1

Plasma

Question 2

The fluid that surrounds the cells

Answer 2

Tissue fluid

Question 3

The fluid that is absorbed and transported by the lymph capillaries

Answer 3

Lymph

Question 4

Explain how the lymph returns to the blood

Answer 4

The lymph vessels join up the form two very large lymphatic ducts.

1. The thoracic duct which drains all the lymph from both legs, the internal organs and left side of body.
2. The right lymphatic duct which drains lymph from the upper-right side of the body.

These ducts drain into the left and right subclavian veins.

Question 5

What are lymph nodes and why are they so essential?

Answer 5

Lymph nodes are the ‘swellings’ of your lymph vessels, they produce white blood cells (most important being lymphocytes) they filter the lymph. This is done by trapping and destroying harmful bacteria, toxins and thus removing them from your body. This process aids your immune system

Question 6

Explain the statement “our closed blood system in leaky”

Answer 6

Blood capillaries are made up of a single layer of leaky endothelial cells, between the cells are pores. Blood plasma leaks out of these pores and covers/surrounds the cells.

Question 7

What is tissue fluid

Answer 7

Tissue fluid is the fluid forces out of the capillaries and surrounds the cells. It contains nutrients and oxygen. These are supplied to the cells.

Question 8

Is the composition of blood always changing

Answer 8

Yes

Question 9

What is blood plasma

Answer 9

Blood plasma is a colorless liquid containing dissolved nutrients, oxygen as well as waste products.

Question 10

Provide two explanations as to what will happen to the tissue fluid

Answer 10

Most of it will re-enter the the blood capillaries but the excess tissue fluid with drain into the lymph capillaries which will eventually rejoin the blood

Question 11

Why is it important that the tissue fluid must eventually return to the blood

Answer 11

We need to restore the blood volume. Also the rest of the waste need to be removed. This will occur in the kidneys as well as lungs.

Question 12

Name 2 major ducts that act as a bridge between the lymphatic system and the blood system

Answer 12

Thoracic duct and right lymphatic duct

Question 13

Compare the blood system with the lymphatic system

Answer 13

1. In the blood system the liquid is blood, in the lymphatic the liquid is lymph.
2. In the blood system the blood is pumped by the heart and in the lymphatic system the lymph isn’t pumped, but just flows in vessels helped along by movement of muscles.
3. Blood system has arteries, veins and capillaries which transport the blood. The lymphatic system has lymph capillaries and lymph vessels which transport the lymph
4. The blood system is closed, the lymphatic system is open.

Question 14

Define the lymphatic system

Answer 14

Is a drainage system that drains excess fluid from around the cells, purifies it, and returns it to the blood.