Lymphatics Flashcards
what is the lymphatic system?
an organ and vessel system part of both the circulatory and immune system
explain the process of fluid being taken up by lymphatic vessels
circulatory system carries blood through vessels
during capillary filtration, plasma is removed and either returned to blood vessels or lymphatic vessels (as interstitial fluid)
name the 3 components of the lymphatic system
vessels - lymphatic vessels
fluid - lymph
organs - primary/secondary lymphoid organs
what is the functions of lymphatic vessels?
drains lymph back into blood
involved in immune response
what does lymph carry?
proteins and fats from tissue
waste products
immune cells
what is the function of the lymph nodes?
collects antigen from periphery
site of adaptive immune activation
what is the role of the spleen?
filters and controls cells in blood and lymph
what is the leaking of lymphatic fluid into the lungs called?
chylothorax
what disease can virchow’s node indicate?
metastasised cancer (when node is enlarged)
where does the right lymphatic duct empty?
junction between right internal jugular and subclavian veins
where does the thoracic duct empty?
junction between the left internal jugular and subclavian veins
what is the most inferior part of the thoracic duct?
cisterna chyli
