Lymphatics and Lymph Nodes Flashcards
What is lymph?
Lymph is fluid that is in the lymphatic vessels, it is squeezed out of blood vessels.
Where are lymph nodes found?
Most densely distributed towards centre of the body, particularly round the neck, intestines and armpits.
Where are lymphatic capillaries found?
Are distributed throughout most tissues of the body (particularly connective tissue).
Why is lymphatic vessels important?
It is important as it helps rid the body of toxins, waste and other unwanted materials.
How does lymph move?
Tissue and arteries press on lymphatic vessls and squeeze them to move fluid along and valves prevent them moving backwards. When you breath in it encourages fluid to move to the thoractic duct.
Where does lymph move?
Lymph from lower body goes to lymphatic duct in chest (thoractic duct) which opens it up to the great veins of the neck.
There is also some local lymphatic ducts that go to same place from other area
What is lymphodema?
This is the localised swelling of the body caused by an abnormal accumulation of lymph.
What are the common causes of lymphodema?
- Caused by damage to lymph nodes/lymphatic vessels.
- Parasites and worms can infest lymphatic vessels
- Radiotherapy
What are features of lymphatic capillaries as seen through an electron microscope?
- Minimal basement membrane
- Overlapping junctions
- Uptake of fluid by pinocytosis
- anchoring filaments
What are lymph nodes function?
Thought of as connection between all lymphatic vessels that surround the body.
Also considered as the drain that all lypmhatic fluid drains into as it comes down lymphatic channels.
How do lymph nodes drain?
Afferent lymphatic vessels- drain lymph into node (dirty lymph)
Efferent lymphatic vessels- takes clean lymph out
What is the role of lymph nodes in immune response?
Is the site of adaptive immune response activation.
It is in these that B and T lymphocytes live.
What are the major groups of lymph nodes?
- Ingienal nodes;in groin
- Axillary nodes;in armpit
- Cervical nodes;in neck
- Supraclavicular; along clavicle
- Mesentric; lower abdomen
- Mediastinal; behind sternum
- Femoral; upper thigh region
