Lymphatics Flashcards
Where are lymph nodes found in the body
All over the body, except for the brain; the blood brain barrier protects the brain
What are the primary lymphoid organs
Bone marrow and thymus
Where are lymphocyte cells made
In the bone marrow
Where do T cells mature and become immunologically competent
The thymus
Where do B cells mature and become immunologically competent
They stay in the bone marrow
What lymph nodes are associated with the intestine
Peyer’s patches
What is lymph
The tissue fluid that enters the lymph capillaries and is carried by lymphatic vessels
Describe the appearance of lymph
Clear, watery and slightly yellow; milky if it contains chyme from the abdominal region
How does lymph move around the body
Small lymphatic vessels join to form larger vessels which pass through nodes
Why are nodes beneficial to lymph
They slow it down, scan it and remove any unwanted proteins or impurities (clean the fluid)
What 2 main cells are located in lymph nodes
Lymphocytes and macrophages
What are lymphocytes
Circulating cells of the immune system that react against foreign materials
What are macrophages
Type of white blood cell, of the immune system, that engulfs and digests any unwanted proteins (cellular debris, foreign substances etc)
Why is lymph important
Collects interstitial fluid, proteins and cells and returns them to the blood stream; helps to remove damaged cells and pathogens
What indicates a problem with a lymph node
When they are swollen
