Lymphatic system Flashcards
Interstitial space
Space between cells and outside the capillaries
Provides the environment around the cells
Includes the fluid called lymph
Lymphatic system
Fluid from the blood leaves the capillaries and then enters the interstitial space
Mostly returns into capillaries but some stay in the interstitial space - like a filter
It’s returned to the circulatory system through the lymphatic system
Lymphatic system
Mainly, consists of lymph capillaries and vessels, and lymph nodes (filtration points for pathogens before returning the fluid to the superior vena cava)
Lymphatic system
Has lymph nodes concentrated at certain points of the body
Lymph is returned to the blood at the right and left lymphatic ducts in the neck
Lymph nodes
Bean shaped between 1-25mm
Surrounded by connective tissues that extend to surround lymph vessels
Lymphoid tissue contains many types of leucocytes for fighting infections
Lymph nodes
Fibres within the nodes catch larger pathogens when the lymph filters through them
Lymph passes multiple nodes on the way to the circulatory system
How the lymphatic system works
Macrophages destroy bacteria in the lymph as it enters the lymph nodes
It does this through phagocytosis; endocytosis for solids
How the lymphatic systems works
Most bacteria are killed within 30 minutes through phagocytosis
Lymph nodes become swollen when dealing with an infection due to increased lymphocytes action
What is a lymph
Consists of proteins fats and macrophages
