The Lymphatic system Flashcards
The function of the lymphatic system?
The lymphatic system removes tissue fluid and proteins from the tissue spaces and returns it to the blood.
Plays a role in protecting the body from infection by adding leucocytes and lymphocytes to the blood.
What is the lymph?
Lymph is a pale milky-coloured fluid that is made up of approximately 95 per cent water and 5 per cent lymphocyte cells
The lymphatic system is made up of?
Lymph fluid
Lymphatic capillaries and vessels
Lymph nodes or glands
The adenoids
The tonsils
The thymus
The spleen
Two lymphatic ducts?
The right lymphatic duct and the thoracic duct.
What are lymphatic capillaries?
They are similar to blood capillaries, in that they are composed of a single layer of cells. Their walls are more permeable and allow larger particles, such as cell debris and proteins, to be absorbed.
What is the structure of lymphatic vessels?
Have thin collapsible walls and are similar to veins in structure
What are lymph nodes?
Lymph nodes are often referred to as lymph glands, even though glands usually secrete substances and lymph glands do not
Structure of lymph nodes?
Lymph nodes are made up of reticular and lymphoid tissue that is enclosed inside a tough fibrous capsule. Each node contains a network of fibres and white blood cells called lymphocytes
Small bean-shaped structures
Usually less than 2.5 cm (1 inch) in length
Structure of lymphatic vessels?
These vessels have thin collapsible walls and are similar to veins in structure
Adenoids
Lymphoid tissue found at the roof of the back of the mouth behind the soft palate.
They help to protect the throat and airways from infection.
Tonsils
Mass of lymphatic tissue. There are two tonsils at the back of the roof of the mouth, and a small pair of tonsils at the base of the tongue.
They help to protect the throat and airways from infection.
Thymus
Both a lymphoid organ and endocrine gland. Involved in the production and development of T-lymphocytes.
Spleen
Organ involved in the immune system. Similar in structure to a large lymph node.
Fights invading pathogens, controls the levels of blood cells and filters blood.
The function of lymph nodes?
Lymph nodes contain; Lymphocytes, which produce antibodies that destroy micro-organisms and fight infection. These cells work to filter and clean the lymph
The function of lymphatic capillaries?
Lymphatic capillaries join together to form larger lymphatic vessels. These vessels drain into lymphatic nodes
The function of lymphatic vessles?
Tubes that carry fluid
How does lymph move?
Lymph is pushed towards the heart by the contraction of nearby muscles.
The right lymphatic duct
This is only 1.5cm long, positioned at the root of the neck and empties into the right subclavian vein to rejoin the circulatory system
The thoracic duct
This is the largest lymphatic vessel. It is 40cm long extending from the second lumbar vertebra to the root of the neck and empties into the subclavian vein to rejoin the circulatory system
Leucocytes
A type of blood cell that is made in the bone marrow and found in the blood and lymph tissue
Lymphocytes
An immune cell that is made in the bone marrow and is found in the blood and in lymph tissue
Antibodies
Antibodies are protective proteins produced by your immune system. They attach to antigens (foreign substances) — such as bacteria, fungi, viruses and toxins — and remove them from your body
Antigens
An antigen is a substance that is capable of stimulating an immune response, specifically activating lymphocytes, which are the body’s infection-fighting white blood cells.
The inflammatory response
The inflammatory response (inflammation) occurs when tissues are injured by bacteria, trauma, toxins, heat, or any other causes.
Immune response
The immune response is how your body recognizes and defends itself against bacteria, viruses, and substances that appear foreign and harmful.
Adenoids
Lymphoid tissue found at the roof of the back of the mouth behind the soft palate. They help to protect the throat and airways from infection.
Where are the axillary nodes located?
underarm area
What is Odema?
Oedema is due to the abnormal swelling of body tissues due to the build up of excess fluid
What is the term for Cancer of the lymphatic tissue?
HODGKIN’S LYMPHOMA
What is LYMPHOEDEMA?
Oedema associated with an obstruction in the lymphatic vessels
Lymph nodes filter……
the lymph
Where does the right lymphatic duct empties into?
Right subclavian vein
Where are the occipital nodes located?
The base of the skull
Filtered lymph is passed into….
Lymphatic ducts
Lymphatic capillaries are composed of
A layer of endothelial cells
Lymphatic vessels collect lymph from…..
the lymphatic capillaries
Lymphatic vessels contain valves which…
Keep the blood flowing in the right direction, preventing backflow
Where does the thoracic duct drains lymph from?
The left side of the head
The lymph node is covered by a wall of …
Connective tissue
What has thin collapsible walls?
Lymphatic vessels
What produces antibodies to help fight infection?
Lymphocytes
What does the spleen store?
Blood
The lymph system links to…
Circulatory, Muscular and digestive system
