Lymphatic System

Question 1

Functions of the Lymphatic System

Answer 1

1. Gather excess interstitial fluid from outside of capillaries and return it to the blood
2. Remove large proteins and other molecules from interstitial spaces
3. Monitor the blood and lymph for infection

Question 2

Lymph nodes

• what cells do they contain (it’s in the name!!)
• Functions

Answer 2

• lymph nodes are filled with lymphocytes
• they monitor the blood for foreign antigens
• fight infections

Question 3

Lymphatic vessels

• similar to blood vessels in what way
• where do they drain

Answer 3

• they are similar to blood vessels, specifically VEINS, in that they have one way valves so that lymph should only go one way
• they drain at the right lymphatic duct and the thoracic duct.
• these ducts dump into the large veins in the lower portion of the neck