Lymphatics Flashcards
What are the 2 main roles of the lymphatic system
Cardiovascular and immune
Why is the lymphatic system important in cardiovascular fluid balance
There is a greater hydrostatic pressure (push) than osmotic pressure (pull) in the veins and arteries, meaning some fluid gets left over in the interstitial space. This continuous loss of fluid would cause blood pressure to drop and cause problems, so the lymphatics return this fluid to circulation
What stops lymph from from escaping lymphatic vessels since they are connected to endothelial cells through mini valves
The pressure in the endothelial cells is high so it pushes the lymph into the lymphatics
How is lymph moved through the system
Passive movement driven by pressure changes in the surrounding muscles
What are the 2 main lymphatic ducts
Thoracic duct and right lymphatic duct
What drains into the thoracic duct
All of the body EXCEPT for the right side of the head, right side of the thorax and the right forelimb
What drains in the right lymphatic duct
The right side of the head, right side of the thorax and the right limb
Where does the thoracic duct empty
At the junction of the left subclavian and left internal jugular vein
Where does the right thoracic duct empty
At the junction of the right subclavian and right internal jugular vein
Describe how inflammation in response to trauma involves the lymphatic system
There is an extra vasation of immune cells into interstitial fluid which causes an increase flow of fluid into the lymphatic system, and the APCs from the site of infection in the lymph to the lymph nodes where they interact with B and T cells
What are the primary/central lymphoid organs and what are their roles
Bone marrow - production of B and T cells, maturation of B cells
Thymus - maturation of T cells
What are the secondary/peripheral lymphoid organs and what are their roles
Lymph nodes - screen lymph
Spleen - screens blood
Peyer’s patches and MALTS - screen gut/mucosal tissues
