Structure/Function of Lymph Flashcards
What are the components of the lymphatic system?
- Lymph
- Lymphatic vessels
- Structures/organs containing lymphatic tissue
- Red Bone Marrow
What is lymphatic tissue?
Specialized form of reticular connective tissue that contains large numbers of lymphocytes
What is interstitial fluid?
Fluid surrounding the cells of body tissues
What is Lymph fluid?
Interstitial fluid that passes into lymphatic vessels
What are the differences between interstitial fluid and lymph?
- Lymph contains less protein (protein molecules are too large to filter through capillary wall)
- Both fluids are similar to blood plasma
How many liters of fluid filter from blood into tissue spaces?
About 20 liters
How many liters of fluid from arterial vessels filter directly to venous system through reabsorption?
About 17 liters
How many liters of fluid pass into lymphatic vessels prior to returning to cardiovascular system?
About 3 liters
What are the 3 primary functions of the lymphatic system?
- Drain excess interstitial fluid
- Transports dietary lipids
- Carries out immune responses
How does draining excess interstitial fluid help the body?
Helps maintain fluid balance in the body and depletion of vital plasma proteins
What dietary lipids are transported by the lymphatic system?
ADEK
- Vitamins A, D, E, and K
What do lymphatic vessels begin as?
Lymphatic capillaries
Characteristics of lymphatic capillaries?
- Slightly larger than blood capillaries
- Have one way valves to prevent backflow of interstitial fluid
What cells make up the wall of a lymphatic capillary?
Endothelial cells
- Ends overlap rather than attach end to end
How does access from interstitial space work?
- When there is higher pressure within interstitial fluid, valves open allowing fluid into lymph.
- When there is lower pressure within interstitial fluid,, valves close not allowing lymphatic fluid into interstitial spaces
How do lymphatic capillaries unite?
They come together in order to form larger and larger lymphatic vessels
Characteristics of lymphatic vessels?
Resemble veins but have thinner walls and more valves
What are located in intervals along lymphatic vessels?
Lymph nodes
What are lymph nodes made of? What flows though them?
- Masses of B and T cells that are surrounded by a capsule
- Lymph flows through nodes
What are two main channels that lymph flows into?
- Thoracic duct
- Right sided lymphatic duct
Where does thoracic duct receive lymph from?
Main lymph collecting duct
- Left side of head
- Neck
- Chest
- Left upper limb
- Entire body below the ribs
Where does right sided lymphatic duct receive lymph from?
Upper right side of the body
Where does thoracic duct empty lymph into?
Junction of left internal jugular and left subclavian veins
Where does right sided lymphatic duct empty lymph into?
Junction of right internal jugular and right subclavian veins
