Lymphatic System: Definitions Flashcards
Afferent lymph vessel
Brings lymph into a lymph node.
Antibodies
Made by activated B lymphocytes. Attach to foreign particles and mark them for destruction.
Edema
Excess of tissue fluid which causes “swelling” of the tissues.
Antigens
“Surface markers” on cells that allow the body to detect its own cells from foreign cells.
Efferent lymph vessel
Takes lymph away from a lymph node.
interstitial fluid
Also called tissue fluid. Fluid between the tissues.
Interstitium
Space between the tissues.
Lacteal
A lymph capillary found in the small intestines. Absorbs lipids.
Lingual tonsils
Patches of lymphatic tissue located at the base of the tongue.
Lymph
Fluid collected from tissues and returned to blood stream.
Lymph nodes
Small organs found along the course of lymphatic vessels. Contains channels and sinuses.
Lymphatic capillary
The smallest of the lymph vessels. Found in most tissues.
Lymphatic organs
Tonsils, thymus, spleen and lymph nodes.
Lymphatic vessels
Resemble veins but transport lymph instead of blood.
Lymphocytes
A type of wbc that is active in the immune system. T lymphocytes (T cells) and B lymphocytes (B cells) have various roles in immunity.
Palatine tonsils
Patches of lymphatic tissue located at the back (posterior) of the oral cavity.
Pathogens
Bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microbes that can cause disease.
Pharyngeal tonsil
Patch of lymphatic tissue located at the lower portion of the nasal cavity. Also called adenoids.
Right lymphatic duct
One of two lymphatic ducts that empty their lymph into the subclavian vein.
Spleen
Organ that filters blood but contains lymphatic tissues containing lymphocytes and macrophages.
Thoracic duct
Largest lymphatic duct; Empties its lymph into the subclavian vein.
Tonsils
Organs that are designed to detect pathogens that we inhale or ingest.
Mediastinum
Cavity located between the two pleural cavities. Contains the heart, great vessels of the heart, esophagus, lymph nodes, …
Lymphatic Duct
The largest lymph vessels that receive lymph from all other lymph vessels and capillaries. Also called lymph collecting ducts. There are two lymphatic ducts - the right lymphatic duct and the thoracic duct.
Subclavian veins
Both on the right and left side under the clavicle run the subclavian veins. These veins empty into the superior vena cava.
Abdominal region
Abdomen
Axillary region
Armpit
Cervical region
Neck
Inguinal region
Groin
