Lymphatic System

Question 1

Functions of the lymphatic system

Answer 1

Return lymph (excess interstitial fluid) to the systemic venous system to maintain blood volume and fluid levels
Carry absorbed fat from the intestine to the blood
Lymph nodes act as filters to check for pathogens fight infections via lymphocytes

Question 2

What are lymphoid capillaries

Answer 2

Highly permeable vessels that receive lymph

Question 3

Is the flow of lymph one way?

Answer 3

Yes

Lymphatic capillaries –> lymphatic vessels –> lymphatic trunks –> lymph dicts

Question 4

Areas drained by the right and left lymphatic ducts

Answer 4

Right = right side of head, neck, right upper limbs and right side of thorax

Left = left side of head and neck, left upper limb, left thorax, and all body regions inferior to the diaphragm

Question 5

Primary and secondary lymphoid organs

Answer 5

Primary = red bone marrow, thymus
Secondary = lymph nodes, spleen, tonsils

Question 6

How do the lymphatic system and CVS work together?

Answer 6

Continual recycling of fluid from blood
Blood capillaries lose fluid to tissue spaces, picked up by lymphatic system and returned
Lymph flows from lymphatic capillaries through collective vessels, lymphatic trunks, collective ducts, and is filtered through multiple lymph nodes before re-entering the bloodstream at the subclavian veins
The lymphatic system flows at lower pressure and speed than the venous blood
The valves of the lymphatic vessels, like those of the veins, prevent the fluid from flowing back

Question 7

What is the thymus?

Answer 7

A bi-lobed organ in the anterior mediastinum. Large in infants/young children. Atrophies in adults, replaced by adipose connective tissue and becomes almost non-functional

Question 8

What are lymph nodes?

Answer 8

Lymph filters
Where lymphatic and immune systems interact
Location where antigens initiate immune response

Question 9

What is the spleen?

Answer 9

A bi-lobed organ located in the anterior mediastinum
Largest lymphatic organ located in upper left quadrant of abdomen
Contains lymphocytes
While pulp- initiates immune response when antigens detected in blood
Red pulp- reservoir for erythrocytes and platelets, disposes worn out blood cells

Question 10

What are tonsils?

Answer 10

Patches of lymphatic tissue found at the entrance of the pharynx
Protection against ingested and inhaled pathogens
4 groups- palatine, lingual, pharyngeal, tubal