Lymphatics Flashcards
lymphatic vessels
-collect leaked fluid and plasma proteins that have escaped from the cardiovascular system into the interstitial fluid
-up to 3 liters can be collected daily
-the clear fluid is called lymph once it enters the lymphatic vessels
What is lymph?
the clear fluid contained within the lymphatic vessels
-only flows one way toward the heart and through the lymph node
lymph nodes
-clean lymph as it passes through them
-lymph nodes are a type of lymphoid organ
-the structure and function of the lymphatic system overlap those of the immune system
functions of the lymphatic system
- return leaked fluid and proteins to the blood
- filters and cleansing fluid before returning it to the blood
- carry absorbed fat from the small intestines to the blood through lacteals (type of lymphatic vessel)
- provide a structural and functional scaffolding in which the cells of the immune system operate
lymphatic capillaries: location
-microscopic lymphatic vessels composed of endothelial cells found between tissue cells and capillaries
What are some places lymphatic capillaries are not found?
-bone
-bone marrow
-teeth
-CNS
Lymphatic capillaries: function
-collect excess interstitial fluid
Lymphatic capillaries compared to blood capillaries
-carry lymph
-have one-way mini valves
-are blind-ended
lymphatic collecting vessels
-same 3 tunics as arteries and veins
-most resemble small to medium-sized veins and similar branching patterns
lymphatic trunks
-formed by the union of the large collecting vessels that drain large areas of the body
What are the major lymphatic trunks?
- right and left lumbar
- right and left bronchomediastinal
- right and left subclavian
- right and left jugular
- intestinal
right lymphatic duct: drains
-drains the right-hand side of the head and neck, right upper arm, and right side of the chest
-enters the right subclavian vein
Thoracic duct: drains
-left side of the head and neck
-left arm and left side of the chest
-all of the abdominopelvic regions and both legs
Thoracic duct: location
-begins at the cisterna chyli (an enlarged sac)
-lymph from the lumbar and intestinal trunks pools into the cisterna chyli before continuing up the thoracic duct
Flow of lymph
- lymphatic capillaries
- lymphatic collecting vessels
- lymphatic trunk
- lymphatic duct
-lymph enters venous circulation at the junction of the internal jugular veins and subclavian vein on each side of the body
lymph formation and description
-excess interstitial fluid in tissues originates as leaked fluid from capillary beds
-once excess interstitial fluid enters the lymphatic capillaries is it renamed lymph
-lymph = clear water
Movement of lymph
- milking action of active skeletal muscles
- valves (prevent backflow)
- pressure changes in the thorax during breathing
- lymph moves into larger lymphatic vessels (less resistance so easier for lymph to move)
lymphedema
-results from obstruction of lymphatic vessels
-localized edema from blocked lymph flow
Examples of how someone can get lymphedema?
-removal of lymphatic vessels after surgery
-blockage of lymphatic vessels from tumors
lymphoid cells
-mainly immune system cells that protect against antigens