Structure Flashcards
largest lymph organ
spleen
lymph fluid known as
lymph
describe lymph fluid
clear watery
same composition as interstitial fluid
lymph fluid contains
water
WBCs
plasma proteins (leaked from capillaries)
bacteria, cell debris from damaged tissue
fats absorbed from small intestine
describe lymph capillaries
like capillaries but more permeable
blind ended - 1 way
lymph vessel in intestines called
lacteal
describe larger lymph veseels
3 layers like veins
numerous cup-shaped valves
lymph travels -
from lymph capillaries to
large lymph vessels to
L & R thoracic duct then to
L & R subclavian veins
describe lymph nodes
lymph passes threough
bean shaped
contained lots of lymphgocytes, phago cytes
lymph node function
filtering/removing foreign matter - microbes, cell debris, tumour cells, inhaled particles, pus
what happens to lymph as it passes through lymph nodes
gets progressivelyt cleaner
swelling/inflammation of lymph nodes in early stages of infection due to incomplete phagocytosis of microbes etc is
lymphadenopathy
function of thymus gland
produces thymosin which promotes maturation of T-Lymphocytes and accelerates wound healing
why is red bone marrow considered part of lymph system
where lymphocytes are made
what is MALT
small aggregations of lymphoid tissue in areas of body exposed to external environment - 1st line of defence!
