Lymphatic System Flashcards
What is the lymphatic system?
A network of tissues and organs whose primary function is to transport lymph
How is the lymphatic system important
If the lymphatic system didn’t drain the excess fluid it would build up making the body’s tissues swell the tissues would become water logged and the cardiovascular system would fail.
What does the lymphatic system consist of
Lymph
Lymph vessels
Lymph ducts
Lymph nodes
Other lymphatic tissues
Lymph organs
Lymph tissue
Bone marrow
What is lymph
Clear watery fluid that contains lymphocytes
What are lymph vessels
Single layer of endothelial cells
These tiny capillaries join up to form larger lymph vessels
Lymph vessels 3 layers
Inner - endothelium
Middle - muscle and elastic tissue
Outer- white fibrous tissue
Why do lymph vessels have semi lunar valves?
To force fluid to flow in one direction towards thorax
Lymph vessels continue to get larger as they join together, forming two large ducts called?
Thoracic duct
Right lymphatic duct
Thoracic duct
Opens into left subclavian vein in the root of the neck
Drains lymph from both legs, arm, head & neck, pelvic & abdominal cavity, left side of thorax
Right lymphatic duct
Lies in root of neck and enters into right subclavian vein
Drains from right side of head, neck, thorax and right arm
What shape are lymph nodes
Encapsulated spherical or kidney shaped
Multiple afferent vessels _________.
Only 1 efferent vessel ______________.
- Enter node
2.carries lymph away from node
Lymph from head and neck passes through what?
Deep and superficial cervical nodes.
What are 3 functions of lymph nodes?
Filtering & phagocytosis of bacteria and other toxins
When lymph renters blood it should be clear of cell debris and foreign matter.
When immune response is triggered activated T and B lymphocytes multiply in lymph nodes.
Other lymphatic tissue
Spleen
Tonsils
