The Lymphatic System Flashcards
Part of the circulatory system and a vital part of the immune system, comprising a network of lymphatic vessels that carry a clear fluid called lymph directionally towards the heart.
The Lymphatic System
*Functions of the Lymphatic System
Alternate route for fluid from interstitial/tissue spaces to blood
Drainage system of circulatory system
*Functions of the Lymphatic System
Carries protein from tissue spaces and also large particulate matter
Lymph vessels from liver
*Functions of the Lymphatic System
Absorbs fats from the digestive tract
Lacteals or lymph capillaries in digestive system
*Functions of the Lymphatic System
Lymph nodes filter lymph thus removing and destroying bacteria.
Produce _________ cells – lymphocytes that destroy invading organisms from lymph before bringing it
defensive
from Latin lympha meaning _____
water
Clear, colorless fluid returned to the heart via the lymphatic system which empties into the jugular vein or cranial vena cava
Contains RBCs, WBCs, histiocytes, tissue fluids and proteins
Lymph
Numerous lymph vessels are found in the ___, _______________, ______, _________ and _____
skin, mucous membranes, spleen, intestines, and liver etc.
Lymph is Absent in the _____, __________, __________, ____________ and ____________
brain, spinal cord, bone marrow, within the skeletal muscles and spleen capsule
have thinner walls than the veins of the same size
Have more valves than veins, and when cut, they remain open longer than veins
Blockage results to lymphedema due to accumulation of lymph
Have remarkable regenerative capacities
Lymphedema (lymphatic obstruction) mostly genetic
Lymphatic Vessels
The chief channel for the return of lymph from lymph capillaries and ducts to the venous system (retroperitoneal)
Begins in the sublumbar region between the crura of the diaphragm as a cranial continuation of the cisterna chyli
Thoracic Duct
Structural and functional unit of the lymphatic system
Located in those areas where they are protected but produce minimal interference with the function of the skeletal, muscular and vascular systems
Lymph Nodes
is the structural unit of a lymph node
Lymph nodule
Functions of lymph nodes (2)
◦ Filtration of lymph
◦ Lymphocyte production in its germinal center
Types of Lymph Vessels
Afferent lymph vessels
Efferent lymph vessels
*Types of Lymph Vessels
Vessels that enter the lymph node and perforate the capsule of the node
Afferent lymph vessels
*Types of Lymph Vessels
Vessels that leave the lymph node
Efferent lymph vessels
*Parts of a lymph node
concave area but not prominent, where the efferent vessel leaves
Hilus
*Parts of a lymph node
the outer portion
Cortex
*Parts of a lymph node
the inner portion
Medullae
Maybe solitary or aggregated and mainly found in the wall of digestive tracts
◦ eg, cecum, rectum and anal canal where they are numerous
They are different from lymph nodes because lymph vessels arise in them rather than pass through them, therefore they contain ony the efferent lymphatics
Lymph Follicles
*Lymph Nodes of the Head and Neck
located near the parotid salivary gland
Parotid