The Lymphatic System Flashcards
What is the function of the lymphatic system?
To return fluids that have leaked out of the blood back to the cardiovascular system.
Anatomy of the lymphatic system
Lymph vessels, lymph fluid, lymph nodes, spleen, thymus gland, tonsils, and lymphoid tissue.
What is dervation of lymph fluid?
Fluid from the blood not reclaimed by the capillaries
What are the 7 main lymphatic trunks?
Right and left jugular trunk, subclavian trunk, bronchiomediastinal trunk, intestinal trunk, right and left lumbar trunk.
What 2 main ducts do the 7 main lymphatic trunks empty into?
Right lymphatic trunk and thoracic duct.
Where do the 2 main lymphatic ducts empty into?
The left and right subclavian veins
What is the Cisternae Chyli?
A bulging lymphatic sac at the base of the thoracic duct. (in the abdomen)
What is the function of the spleen?
Breaks down RBC’s, stores monocytes and platelets.
Structures of the spleen and their functions.
- White pulp (stains darker purple) - immune function; patrols the blood.
- Red pulp (stains lighter pink) - recycles red blood cells
What are the 2 types of lymphocytes and what do they do?
T-lymphocytes- produce cytokines, some attack infected cells.
and B-lymphocytes- bind directly to an antigen, differentiate into plasma cells, and then secrete antibodies.
Macrophage’s function? specific or non specific?
help activate T-cells; nonspecific
What do dendritic cells do?
Capture foreign antigens and present them to other immune cells.
What are reticular cells?
Fibrioblasts that produce reticular tissue
What are the 2 types of lymphoid tissue?
Diffuse lymphoid tissue and lymphoid follicles.
What are the functions of lymph nodes?
Filtration and immune system activation
Why is the thymus gland unique?
It is unique as an immune organ because it has no lymphoid follicles and no direct immune fighting function.
What does MALT stand for?
Mucosa associated lymphoid tissue.
Where is MALT found?
- Tonsils (Palatine, lingual, pharyngeal, and tubal)
- Peyers Patches (located in ileum of the small intestine)
- Appendix (lymphoid tissue located at the top section of the large intestine; function is to destroy bacteria entering the large intestine)
