Lymphatic System Flashcards
The lymphatic system is closely allied to
the cardiovascular & immune system.
The Lymph System functions:
1.
Return proteins, lipids and water from the interstitial fluid to the blood.
2.
Immunity against harmful organisms.
Similarities of vessels to veins
Resemble veins but have thinner walls and more valves
What is the major duct the lymph is drained into
Throacic Duct
The lymphatic system consists of:
Lymph fluid(lymph)
Lymph vessels
Lymph nodes
Lymph organs(spleen & thymus)
Lymphoid tissue(e.g. MALT GALT tonsils)
Bone marrow
Lymph fluid contains
Water Leukocytes Plasma Proteins Fats - Absorbed from small intestines Bacteria & cell debris
Where is lymph fluid drawn from
The same composition as interstitial fluid, which is found between cells &; lymph is in lymphatic vessels, tissues &; between organs.
Lymphatic tubes are called
Lymphatic capillaries
Lymphatic Vessels
Lymph trunks
The cardiovascular system is a circular
and closed system in which the fluid
(blood) leaves from and returns to the
heart. In comparison, the lymphatic system is :
a linear system in which the lymphatic
capillaries at the peripheral tissues drain
lymphatic fluid back to the vascular system.
What do lymph nodes do
Lymph nodes filter lymph and
remove foreign matter
such as microbes, cell debris and tumour
cells.
How many nodes are there
600 Bean shaped structures
located in groups along lymph
vessels throughout the body.
How do Lymph nodes filter lymph fluid?
They are Filled with immune cells (lymphocytes
& phagocytes).
•
Macrophages destroy foreign substances by phagocytosis.
•
Whilst lymphocytes destroy remainder with immune response.
how do nodes slow the flow of Lymph fluid
Lymph enters via AFFERENT vessels.
Foreign substances are TRAPPED IN IRREGULAR CHANNELS by reticular fibres.
Filtered lymph leaves via EFFERENT vessels.
5 locations where nodes are gathered in large numbers
Cervical (neck), axillary (armpit), inguinal, (groin) vertebral column, mesenteric (intestinal).
What is the largest Lymph organ
The Spleen
The spleen contains
White Pulp
Red Pulp
Red pulp contains
all the components of circulating blood - blood reservoir
White pulp contains
lymphocytes & macrophages.
Spleen function
Haematopoiesis (in the foetus)
Blood reservoir
Phagocytosis: erythrocytes graveyard.
Immunity: matures T & B lymphocytes.
Thymus functions
promotes the maturation of T-lymphocytes.
plays important role in immune development in early life.
Age Thymus begins to atrophy
age 12
What does MALT mean
Mucosa Associated Lymphoid Tissue
What is MALT
Patches of lymphoid tissue found in areas of the body exposed to the external environment. First-line immune defence.
Areas MALT is found
Adenoids - Naso Pharyngeal tonsils
Tonsils
Small & Large Intestine (GALT) - Appendix
Lymphatic System functions
- Tissue Drainage
- Absorption (dietary soluble fats)
- Immunity - production/maturation of Lymphocytes
By what mechanisms is lymph drained
Lymphatic Pump
Skeletal muscle pump
Respiratory pump
How to optimise Lymphatic health
Exercise High anti-inflammatory diet Remove allergens Dry brushing Reduce oxadative stress
