Lymphatic System

Question 1

Describe the components of lymph and what is GI tract lymph called?

Answer 1

• Thin, low protein fluid

- Chyle

Question 2

Name 3 characteristics of lymphatic vessels

Answer 2

• Direction of flow is superficial to deep
• Blind-ended endothelial cells
• Flow is related to pressure
• Vessels have valves

Question 3

What systems propel lymph flow?

Answer 3

• Skeletal muscle
• Pressure changes when breathing
• Artery pulsation (Lymphangion compression)

Question 4

What do deep lymphatic vessels pass through?

Answer 4

Pass through muscles to aid movement

Question 5

What are lymph vessels adjacent to?

Answer 5

Cardiovascular vessels

Question 6

In what vessel order does lymph flow?

Answer 6

Capillary > Vessel > Node > Trunk > Duct

Question 7

What happens when lymph pressure is high?

Answer 7

Valves shut

Question 8

What is the name of the container of chyle from GI tract?

Answer 8

Cisterna Chyli

Question 9

Name the two domains of lymph drainage and their direction

Answer 9

• Upper right quadrant drains to right subclavian vein

- Rest of the body drains to left subclavian vein

Question 10

What are the 3 clinically important lymph nodes?

Answer 10

Neck - Cervical
Groin - Inguinal
Armpit - Axillae

Question 11

Describe the lymphatic vessels that enter and exit a node

Answer 11

• Afferent vessels enter via the convex surface

- Single efferent vessel leaves via the concave hilum

Question 12

What does each node have?

Answer 12

A feeding artery and a draining vein

Question 13

What specialised cells does the lymphatic node contain?

Answer 13

Dendritic cells which are immune cells and contain B and T lymphocytes

Question 14

What is the main connective tissue in a lymph node?

Answer 14

Reticulum fibres

Question 15

What can cause Lymphadenopathy?

Answer 15

• Infection
• Cancer
• Lymphoma

Question 16

Name 3 lymphatic organs

Answer 16

• Thymus
• Spleen
• Tonsils
• Appendix
• Peyer’s Patches

Question 17

Where is the Thymus located and what is its function?

Answer 17

• Superior mediastinum

- Matures bone marrow cells to immunocompetent T cells

Question 18

Name 3 functions of the spleen

Answer 18

• Filters blood
• Activates B and T lymphocytes
• Removes old erythrocytes and platelets

Question 19

Describe the structure and function of the tonsils as a lymphatic organ

Answer 19

• Contain crypts that increase surface area
• Numerous M-cells
• Prevents pathogen ingress

Question 20

Where is the Vermiform Appendix located and what is its function as a lymphatic organ?

Answer 20

• Attached to ascending colon

- Contains M-cells which prevent pathogen ingress

Question 21

Where are Peyer’s Patches located and what is their function as a lymphatic organ?

Answer 21

• Attached to the side of the ileum

- Many M-cells which prevents pathogen ingress through digestion

Question 22

Name 2 broad functions of the lymphatic system

Answer 22

• Fluid balance
• Transport of fats and fat soluble vitamins
• Defence against invading pathogens and disease
• Storage and destruction of aged erythrocytes

Question 23

How can breast cancer be detected in the lymphatic system?

Answer 23

Cancer in axilla nodes can be detected by fluoroscopy injection of radiated glucose

Question 24

How can cancer travel through the lymphatic system?

Answer 24

• New vasculature
• Interstitial space
• Lymph

Question 25

Name two types of primary and secondary lymphoedema

Answer 25

Primary - Milroy’s disease, Meige’s disease, Tarda

Secondary - Neoplasia, Surgery, Radiotherapy, Infection