The lymphatic system Flashcards

1
Q

Structure of lymphatic system

A

-consists of lymph, lymphatic vessels, red bone marrow, lymphatic tissue

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2
Q

3 functions of lymphatic system

A

-drain excess interstitial fluid to maintain fluid balance
-absorbs fat (lacteals) from digestive tract that are too large to enter capillaries
-carry our immune responses (lymphocytes, lymphoid tissue)

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3
Q

Lymph

A

-clear watery fluid, similar to plasma, but less protein
-contains lymphocytes
-carries away particles, cell debris, damaged tissues etc

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4
Q

4 characteristics of lymphatic capillaries

A

-closed at one end
-permeable- permits interstitial fluid in but not out
-larger diameter than blood capillaries
-unique one way structure

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5
Q

Lymphatic vessels

A

-capillaries unite forming large lymphatic vessels
-resemble veins, but thinner walls and more valves
-valves allow flow toward the thorax only

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6
Q

Lymph trunks

A

-lymphatic vessels unite to form trunks
-Trunks: lumbar, intestinal, broncho mediastinal, subclavian and jugular
-passes from trunks into 2 main channels (thoracic/ right lymphatic ducts) before draining into subclavian veins

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7
Q

Formation and flow of lymph

A

-more fluid filters out capillaries than fluid reabsorbed
-excess filtered fluid drains into lymphatic vessels and become lymph
-uses same pumps as venous return: skeletal muscle pump and respiratory pump

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8
Q

2 types lymphatic organs

A

-primary lymphatic organs- site where stem cells divide, red bone marrow, thymus
-secondary lymphatic organs- sites where most immune response occurs eg. lymph nodes, spleen, lymph nodules

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9
Q

Thymus gland

A

-centre of chest
-outer cortex composed of large number of T cells
-T cells mature from red bone marrow
-macrophages clear dead and dying cells

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10
Q

Function lymph nodes

A

-filter
-trap foreign substances which are then destroyed by macrophages, lymphocytes (phagocytosis)

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11
Q

Lymph nodes

A

-located along lymphatic vessels
-scattered throughout body
-stroma- supporting connective tissue
-parenchyma- functional part
3 layers
-outer cortex- B cells called lymphatic nodules
-inner cortex- T cells and dendritic cells
-medulla- B cells, antibodies, plasma cells

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12
Q

Axillary lymph nodes

A

-armpits
-enlarge on infection in upper extremities and breasts

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13
Q

Tracheobronchial lymph nodes

A

-smoking, polluted areas
-become filled with airborne contaminants

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14
Q

Mesenteric lymph nodes

A

-between layers peritoneum
-100-150 nodes, peyer patches and appendix

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15
Q

Inguinal lymph nodes

A

-groin
-enlarge with infection from lower extremities and external reproductive organs

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16
Q

How lymph flows through vessels

A

-1 direction
-enters through afferent (in) lymphatic vessels
-this directs lymph towards medulla
-medullary sinuses drain into efferent (out) lymphatic vessels

17
Q

Lymphatic nodules

A

-not surrounded by capsule
-scattered throughout the mucous membranes of GI, urinary and reproductive tracts
-also found in respiratory tract (Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue= MALT)
-most are small and solitary
-some larger eg. tonsils, appendix, peyer’s patches

18
Q

Spleen structure

A

-largest lymphatic tissue
Parenchyma:
-white pulp- lymphatic tissue
-red pulp- RBC, macrophages, plasma cells, lymphocytes

19
Q

3 spleen functions

A
  1. storage of blood
    -350ml blood- returned in haemorrhage
    -store 1/3 of body’s platelets
  2. immune response
    -macrophages remove ruptured, worn out or defected blood cells
    -B and T cells carry out immune function
  3. erythropoiesis
    -production of RBC in foetus, occasionally in adults
20
Q

How to maintain a healthy lymphatic system

A
  • Healthy Diet
  • Refrain from smoking or using any
    tobacco products
  • Reduce Alcohol in take
  • Adequate amount of rest and sleep
  • Adequate water intake
  • Reduce stress factors