Lymphatics Flashcards
What are the functions of the lymphatic system?
- tissue drainage
- return of plasma and plasma proteins
- absorbed fat transport from gut
- immunity
How do lymphatic vessels differ from blood vessels?
They absorb proteins and other large molecules from tissue fluids
Name 5 lymphatic tissues?
- thymus
- spleen
- tonsils
- nodules
- bone marrow
What role does the lymphatic system play in tissue drainage?
It drains escaped cell-free plasma from the extracellular spaces back to the venous system
What is the composition of lymph?
- Lymph is fluid and plasma proteins.
- It gains lymphocytes as it flows through the lymphatic capillaries.
- Fats ate added in the small intestine.
What does lymphatic flow rely on?
- muscle contraction
- pressure changes
- gravity
Why is lymphatic flow unidirectional?
Valves
Why does fluid flow into extracellular spaces increase during infection?
Due to protein accumulation (osmosis) that drives increased lymph flow and therefore immune response in nodes, as more antigens are presented and phagocytosis occurs.
Where are the immunological functions of lymph located?
Where lymph nodes are periodically traversed by lymphatic vessels
Where do groups of lymph nodes occur?
at the bases of major arterial trunks
How much fluid is absorbed in the lymph nodes each day?
8L
How does efferent lymph differ from afferent lymph?
efferent lymph is filtered and contains more antibodies
What are germinal centres?
the secondary lymphoid follicles
What will be filtered out by the lymph nodes?
inert particles
What does anthracotic mean?
carbon containing
