Lymphatics Flashcards
What are the three anatomic components of the lymphatic system?
lymph fluid, lymphatic vessels, and organized lymphatic tissues/ organs
what is the physiologic function of the lymphatic system?
it plays a major role in numerous homeostatic mechanisms of the body; maintain fluid balance, tissue cleansing, defense, and nutrition
when does lymphatic development begin?
during the 5th week of gestation
what happens when fluid overload occurs?
the lymphatic system helps prevent tissue damage by clearing the excess
what does the lymph node act as?
a purifying filter
how does the lymphatic system act as a defense mechanism?
lymph fluid brings toxins into contact with the organized lymph tissues, which contain high concentrations of immune cells
how does the lymphatic system aid in nutrition?
via fat absorption via chylomicrons
how do chylomicrons travel?
via lacteals into larger lymph vessels, which drain into the thoracic duct, which then drains into the venous system
What is lymph fluid?
substances that leak out of the arterial capillaries into the interstitium–> gets taken up by the lymphatic capillaries
what are the 4 tissues that do not have lymphatic vessels?
epidermis (including hair and nails), endomysium of muscle, cartilage, and bone marrow
what is the pathway of lymph?
terminal lymphatics–> collecting vessels–>afferent lymph vessels–>lymph nodes–> efferent lymph vessels–>lymphatic trunks–> thoracic duct or right lymphatic duct–>venous system
where does lymph formation begin?
in the interstitial space of tissues with the initial lymphatics/terminal lymphatics/ lymph capillaries
what makes up the collecting vessels?
chains of muscular units called lymphangions
what do lymphangions look like?
two-leaflet bicuspid valves
what is the role of the lymphangions?
they contract regularly throughout the lymphatic system move lymph in peristaltic waves
what is the innervation of the collecting vessels?
autonomic inenrvation
what is the most highly organized lymphoid tissue?
lymph nodes
what are the two types of lymph nodes?
superficial and deep
what is the pathway of lymph flow through a lymph node?
afferent lymphatics-subcapsular space-outer cortex-deep cortex-medullary sinus-efferent lymphatics
what region of the lymph node is rich in B cells?
outer cortex
what region is dominated by T cells?
deep cortex
where are the germinal centers found in the lymph node?
in the outer cortex