Week 3 - Lymphatic System Flashcards
Describe the three functions of the lymphatic system
- Drain excess interstitial fluid from tissue spaces and return it to the blood
- Transport lipids and lipid soluble vitamins from the villi in the small intestine to the blood
- As part of the immune system destroys microbes and cancerous or foreign cells
Name the cells of lymph nodes
- B cells (lymphocyte)
- T cells (lymphocyte)
- Macrophages (phagocyte)
Where do B cells mature?
In bone marrow
Where do T cells mature?
The Thymus
What is the function of lymphocytes in the nodes?
Stimulate immune responses
What is the function of the macrophages in the nodes?
Destroy foreign substances through phagocytosis
Where are Lymph nodes located?
Along lymphatic vessels
- Scattered throughout body but concentrated in
cervical axillary and inguinal regions
Where are Lymph Nodules located?
Concentrations of lymphatic tissue not surrounded by a capsule and scattered throughout connective tissue of mucous membranes
What shape are lymph nodes?
Bean shaped surrounded by a capsule about 2.5cm
Name three areas of lymphatic nodules
- Peyer’s patches in the ileum of the small intestine
- Appendix contains lymph tissue destroys bacteria
- Tonsils form ring at top of throat
- Adenoids (pharyngeal tonsil)
- Palatine tonsils (on each side wall)
- Lingual tonsil in the back of the tongue
Describe the anatomical position of the spleen
Located in the left hypochondriac region, between stomach and diaphragm
State three functions of the spleen
- Remove damaged blood cells and platelets
- Stores red blood cells
- Performs immune functions as per lymph nodes
Describe how / why cancer & infection spreads through the lymphatic tissue
Because the lymphatic system is a filter, it can get overwhelmed by the numbers of pathogens which multiply causing infection or cancer cells which multiply, forming a secondary tumour in the lymph
What features are observable with cancerous lymph nodes?
- Firm
- Enlarged
- Non-tender
- Fixed to underlying structures
What features are observable with infected lymph nodes?
- Softer
- Enlarged
- Very tender
- Movable
