The Lymphatic System Flashcards
What are the 3 components of lymph?
Interstitial fluid.
Lymphocytes.
Macrophages.
What are the 3 primary functions of the lymphatic system?
- Lymphocyte production, maintenance & distribution.
- Ensuring stable blood volume & interstitial composition throughout the body.
- Assist in transporting hormones, nutrients & waste products.
Describe 3 characteristics of lymphatic capillaries.
- Closed-ended.
- Large diameter.
- Thinner walls compared to blood capillares.
Where are lymphatic capillaries found?
Amongst blood capillary networks in all tissues EXCEPT areas with no blood supply (ex: bone marrow, CNS).
Lymphatic capillaries combine to form _________ _______.
lymphatic vessels.
What are the 5 lymphatic trunks for drainage?
- Jugular.
- Subclavian.
- Bronochomediastinal.
- Intestinal.
- Lumbar.
What are the 2 main lymphatic ducts?
Thoracic (left lymphatic duct).
Right lymphatic duct.
Which lymphatic duct is larger?
Thoracic (left).
Which parts of the body does the thoracic (left) lymphatic duct receive lymph from?
Upper left side of the body & both sides of the body inferior to the ribs.
Which parts of the body does the right lymphatic duct receive lymph from?
The upper right side of the body.
Describe the path of lymphatic drainage.
Lymphatic capillaries → lymphatic vessels → lymph nodes → lymphatic trunks → lymphatic ducts → subclavian veins.
How does blood circulation relate to lymphatic drainage?
When fluids filter into tissues, some of it enters the lymphatic system. Lymph fluid ultimately drains back into the blood circulation when it is dumped into the subclavian veins.
Describe the 2 types of immunity that we have.
Innate: non-specific, involves first (barriers) & second (inflammatory response) lines of defence.
Adaptive/acquired: specific, involves third line of defence (macrophages & lymphocytes).
What are the 3 types of lymphocytes?
NK cells.
T cells.
B cells.
What is the primary lymphatic organ?
The thymus.
