Medical Terminology Related to the Lymphatic System

Question 1

Appendix

Answer 1

Organ in the abdomen; contains lymphoid tissue that can destroy bacteria before crossing the intestinal wall during absorption

Question 2

Collecting ducts

Answer 2

Collect lymph from lymphatic vessels; connect to subclavian vein, which returns lymph to bloodstream; helps to maintain normal blood volume and pressure

Question 3

Lymph

Answer 3

Collection of the extra fluid that drains from cells and tissues; transports infection-fighting white blood cells

Question 4

Lymph nodes

Answer 4

Bean-shaped glands that monitor and cleanse the lymph as it filters through them; produce and store lymphocytes and other immune system cells

Question 5

Lymphatic vessels

Answer 5

Network of capillaries and tubes throughout the body that transport lymph away from tissues

Question 6

Peyer’s patches

Answer 6

Small masses of lymphatic tissue in the mucous membranes that line the small intestine; monitors and destroys bacteria in the intestines

Question 7

Spleen

Answer 7

Largest lymphatic organ, located on left side under ribs and above stomach; filters and stores blood and produces white blood cells to fight infection or disease

Question 8

Thymus

Answer 8

Organ in the upper chest beneath the breastbone; matures a specific type of white blood cell that fights off foreign organisms

Question 9

Tonsils and adenoids

Answer 9

Lymphoid organs that trap pathogens from food that has been eaten; the body’s first line of defense against foreign invaders