Lymphedema Flashcards
Define Lymphatic Capillaries
- Passive starting point of the lymphatic system
- Unidirectional single layer of endothelial cells
- Located between skin and muscle
- Empty into collecting vessels
Define Collecting Vessels
- Thin Vessels with weak walls
- Require a pressure change to move lymph
- Unidirectional valves prevent backflow
- Empty into lymph nodes
Define Lymph Nodes
- Filtering stations for cleansing lymph
- Trap bacteria, CA, and broken cells
- Centers for growth and storage of lymphocytes
- Empty into ducts
Where does the right lymphatic duct empty?
At the junction of the jucnction of the Right Subclavian Vein and right internal jugular
Where does the thoracic duct empty?
Junction of left internal jugular and left subclavian veins
Which duct drains the Right Upper Quadrant?
Right Lymphatic duct
What does the thoracic duct drain?
LUE & BLEs
What are the main functions of the lymphatic system?
- Immune system defense
- Nutrition
- Fluid Balance (maintain homeostasis)
Define osmotic pressure
The pressure needed to prevent inward flow of water across a semipermeable membrane
Define hydrostatic pressure
The state of stress of the system when a fluid is at rest and all mechanical stresses vanish
What is Starling’s law of the capillaries?
The direction and rate of exchange of fluid between the capillaries and interstital space is dictated by the hydrostatic and osmotic pressures
