Lymphatic system Flashcards
What is lymph (1)
Excess filtered fluid that is filtered out of blood capillaries will drain into lymphatic vessels and become lymph.
This will then get returned to the bloodstream
What are the four components of the lymphatic system.
Lymph (a clear fluid)
Lymphatic vessels
Lymph nodes
Lymphatic organs (bone marrow, tonsils, spleen)
What are the functions of the lymphatic system
Drains extra fluid from tissue space and return it to blood.
Transports dietary lipids absorbed by the GI tract.
Carries out immune responses.
What is lymph
Clear fluid, similar to plasma.
Transports the plasma proteins that seep out of the capillary beds back to the bloodstream.
Carries bacteria to lymph nodes to get destroyed.
Contains lymphocytes (defence cells) which patrol all around the body.
What are lymphatic vessels
Transport lymph
Located in spaces between cells.
Closed at one end and are porous. ( many holes)
What at the lymphatic trunks and ducts
All lymphatic vessels unite to form larger trunks or ducts.
What are the 5 principle lymph ducts
Lumbar lymph trunk
Intestinal lymph trunk
Bronhomediastinal lymph trunk
Subclavian lymph trunk
Jugular lymph trunk
What are the primary lymph organs
Red bone marrow and thymus - are the sites where the lymphcytes are activated to be either B-lymphocytes or T-lymphocytes in the specific immune response.
What are the secondary lymphatic organs
Sites where most immune responses occur, they include lymph nodes (the spleen and tonsils).
What are lymph nodes
Contain elements of bodies defence system, such as lymphocytes (B and T cells) and macrophages)
What are the two main substances that the lymph nodes consist of?
Reticular tissue (internal structure of lymph node)
Lymphatic tisse (contains immune and defence cells)
What is the thymus
Located posterior to sternum.
Lymphocytes originate from stem cells in red bone marrow. Those that enter the thymus develop into T-lymphocytes.
Where is the spleen?
Located in the LUQ of abdomen
What are the 4 functions of the spleen
Phagocytosis (Destroy bacteria)
Storage of blood (350mL of blood)
Immune response (T/B lympohocytes)
Erythropoiesis (production of RBCs)
