lymphatic vessels, trunks, and ducts Flashcards
Describe the structure of lymphatic vessels.
Lymphatic vessels are composed of all three vessel tunics: intima, media, and externa, and they contain valves to prevent pooling and backflow of lymph.
Explain how lymph moves through the lymphatic system.
Lymph moves through the lymphatic system using skeletal muscles and respiratory pumps, the pulsatile movement of blood in nearby arteries, and the rhythmic contraction of smooth muscle in larger lymph vessel walls.
Define the role of lymphatic capillaries in the lymphatic system.
Lymphatic capillaries are small vessels that feed into lymphatic vessels and are located adjacent to arteries and veins.
How do lymphatic vessels prevent backflow of lymph?
Lymphatic vessels have valves that prevent pooling and backflow of lymph.
What is the relationship between lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes?
Some lymphatic vessels connect to lymph nodes for the purpose of lymph filtration.
Describe the function of lymphatic trunks in the lymphatic system.
Lymphatic trunks are larger vessels that are fed by lymphatic vessels and play a role in transporting lymph towards the thoracic duct and right lymphatic duct.
Explain the significance of the lack of a pump in the lymphatic system.
The lymphatic system lacks a pump, relying instead on external forces such as skeletal muscle contractions, respiratory movements, and arterial pulsations to facilitate lymph movement.
Describe the function of jugular trunks in the lymphatic system.
Jugular trunks drain lymph from the head and neck.
Explain the role of subclavian trunks in lymph drainage.
Subclavian trunks drain lymph from the upper limbs, breasts, and superficial thoracic wall.
How do bronchomediastinal trunks contribute to lymphatic drainage?
Bronchomediastinal trunks drain deep thoracic structures.
Define the function of intestinal trunks in the lymphatic system.
Intestinal trunks drain most abdominal structures.
What areas do lumbar trunks drain in the lymphatic system?
Lumbar trunks drain the lower limbs, abdominopelvic wall, and pelvic organs.
Explain the relationship between lymphatic ducts and lymphatic trunks.
Lymphatic ducts are fed by lymphatic trunks and are the largest lymphatic vessels.
How do lymphatic ducts function in the circulatory system?
Lymphatic ducts bring lymph to venous blood circulation.
Identify the two main lymphatic ducts in the body.
The two main lymphatic ducts are the right lymphatic duct and the thoracic duct.
Where is the right lymphatic duct located?
The right lymphatic duct is located near the right clavicle.
Describe the areas drained by the right lymphatic duct.
The right lymphatic duct drains the upper right quadrant of the body, including the right side of the head and neck, the right upper limb, and the right side of the thorax.
Explain where the right lymphatic duct delivers lymph.
The right lymphatic duct delivers lymph to the junction of the right subclavian and right internal jugular veins.
Define the thoracic duct in terms of its size and location.
The thoracic duct is the largest lymphatic vessel, running from the diaphragm to the junction of the left subclavian and left jugular veins.
What is the cisterna chyli and where is it located?
The cisterna chyli is a saclike structure at the base of the thoracic duct.
How does the thoracic duct contribute to lipid absorption?
The thoracic duct receives lipid-rich chyle from the gastrointestinal tract.
Identify the areas drained by the thoracic duct.
The thoracic duct drains lymph from the left side of the head and neck, the left upper limb, the left side of the thorax, the abdomen, and both lower limbs.
Explain the condition caused by the accumulation of interstitial fluid due to lymphatic drainage interference.
The accumulation of interstitial fluid due to interference with lymphatic drainage causes swelling and pain in the affected area.
Discuss the potential consequences of lymphatic drainage interference.
Interference with lymphatic drainage may lead to swelling and pain, and can also interfere with wound healing and contribute to infection.
Describe the primary cause of lymphedema.
Most lymphedema is caused by blockage of lymph vessels.
Explain how trauma or infection can lead to lymphedema.
Trauma or infection of lymph vessels can block the flow of lymph, leading to lymphedema.
Identify a potential consequence of surgical removal of lymph nodes.
Surgical removal of lymph nodes can lead to scarring and blockage of lymph vessels, resulting in lymphedema.
How can lymphedema be managed or controlled?
Lymphedema can be managed with compression garments, exercise, and massage.
Define elephantiasis in relation to lymphedema.
Extreme cases of lymphedema are known as elephantiasis, which is often caused by infection with parasitic worms.
What role does radiation therapy play in lymphedema?
Radiation therapy can cause scarring of lymph vessels, leading to blockage and lymphedema.
Do compression garments help in managing lymphedema?
Yes, compression garments are one of the methods used to manage and control lymphedema.
