Lymphatic System Flashcards
Lymphatic system functions: 1 of 4
Draining excess interstitial fluid from the body tissues and brings it to the various lymphatic structures
Lymphatic system functions: 2 of 4
Filtering out any potential harmful antigens from the lymph
Lymphatic system functions: 3 of 4
Exposing any antigen to immune-mediated cells
Lymphatic system functions: 4 of 4
Returning the lymph back into the circulatory system
Components of the Lymphatic System: Lymph
A clear yellow fluid that is found in lymphatic vessels
No matter where lymph may be picked up it will always pass through at least one lymph node before returning to circulation
Components of the Lymphatic System: Plasma
After plasma leaks out into the space between tissue cells:
-It becomes interstitial fluid
When interstitial fluid is absorbed by the lymphatic vessels:
-it becomes lymph
Chyle
The lymph that accumulates from the digestive system
Lymphatic vessels
Found wherever there is a blood supply Travel in one direction Contain one-way valves Not supported by the heart rely on the body movement to move lymph through the body Empties into the Subclavian vein
Edema
If bedridden: the lymph will not move nor be absorbed from the tissues
This causes an accumulation of interstitial fluid in the tissue spaces
Lymphatic Structures
All lymph will travel through these structures before returning back to circulation
Screens lymph for any foreign invaders or debris
Organized into Primary and Secondary lymphatic organs
Primary Lymphatic organs
The site where lymphocytes mature and become immunocompetent
“Schools”
Thymus
Peyer’s patches
Secondary Lymphatic organs
Regulates immunity and serves as the site for many immune responses
“workplaces”
Lymph Node
Spleen
Thymus
Where T cells mature
Cranial to the heart in the mediastinum
Largest when the animal is young
Reduces in size when the animal matures
Peyer’s patches
Found in the small intestines
Provide an extra layer of immunity for the GI tract
Lymph node
Bean shaped
Scattered along the lymphatic vessel pathway
Where B-cells are primarily found
Over 700 lymph nodes
