Lymphatic System Flashcards
Describe the components of lymph and what is GI tract lymph called?
- Thin, low protein fluid
- Chyle
Name 3 characteristics of lymphatic vessels
- Direction of flow is superficial to deep
- Blind-ended endothelial cells
- Flow is related to pressure
- Vessels have valves
What systems propel lymph flow?
- Skeletal muscle
- Pressure changes when breathing
- Artery pulsation (Lymphangion compression)
What do deep lymphatic vessels pass through?
Pass through muscles to aid movement
What are lymph vessels adjacent to?
Cardiovascular vessels
In what vessel order does lymph flow?
Capillary > Vessel > Node > Trunk > Duct
What happens when lymph pressure is high?
Valves shut
What is the name of the container of chyle from GI tract?
Cisterna Chyli
Name the two domains of lymph drainage and their direction
- Upper right quadrant drains to right subclavian vein
- Rest of the body drains to left subclavian vein
What are the 3 clinically important lymph nodes?
Neck - Cervical
Groin - Inguinal
Armpit - Axillae
Describe the lymphatic vessels that enter and exit a node
- Afferent vessels enter via the convex surface
- Single efferent vessel leaves via the concave hilum
What does each node have?
A feeding artery and a draining vein
What specialised cells does the lymphatic node contain?
Dendritic cells which are immune cells and contain B and T lymphocytes
What is the main connective tissue in a lymph node?
Reticulum fibres
What can cause Lymphadenopathy?
- Infection
- Cancer
- Lymphoma
Name 3 lymphatic organs
- Thymus
- Spleen
- Tonsils
- Appendix
- Peyer’s Patches
Where is the Thymus located and what is its function?
- Superior mediastinum
- Matures bone marrow cells to immunocompetent T cells
Name 3 functions of the spleen
- Filters blood
- Activates B and T lymphocytes
- Removes old erythrocytes and platelets
Describe the structure and function of the tonsils as a lymphatic organ
- Contain crypts that increase surface area
- Numerous M-cells
- Prevents pathogen ingress
Where is the Vermiform Appendix located and what is its function as a lymphatic organ?
- Attached to ascending colon
- Contains M-cells which prevent pathogen ingress
Where are Peyer’s Patches located and what is their function as a lymphatic organ?
- Attached to the side of the ileum
- Many M-cells which prevents pathogen ingress through digestion
Name 2 broad functions of the lymphatic system
- Fluid balance
- Transport of fats and fat soluble vitamins
- Defence against invading pathogens and disease
- Storage and destruction of aged erythrocytes
How can breast cancer be detected in the lymphatic system?
Cancer in axilla nodes can be detected by fluoroscopy injection of radiated glucose
How can cancer travel through the lymphatic system?
- New vasculature
- Interstitial space
- Lymph
Name two types of primary and secondary lymphoedema
Primary - Milroy’s disease, Meige’s disease, Tarda
Secondary - Neoplasia, Surgery, Radiotherapy, Infection
