anatomy of lymphatic system

Question 1

What are the components of the lymphatic system?

Answer 1

• lymphatic vessels
• lymphoid tissue
• lymphoid organs

Question 2

What do lymph vessels in the brain do?

Answer 2

carry fluid (lymph) and immune cells from cerebrospinal fluid deep cervical lymph nodes

Question 3

what are the roles of the lymph system?

Answer 3

• drains extracellular fluid
• transports dietary lipids and fat soluble vitamins
• initiates and carries out specific immune responses§

Question 4

How does lymphatic system stop lymph leaking into interstitial space again?

Answer 4

lymphatic capillary walls overlap so tissue fluid can enter it but not leave it

Question 5

Why is the lymphatic system called an open system?

Answer 5

It has a defined start and end point

Question 6

Hoe does the lymphatic maintain fluid balance in the body?

Answer 6

reabsorbs fluid not taken up by venous end of capillaries

Question 7

structure of lymphatic vessels

Answer 7

• thinner walls than veins
• more valves to ensure unidirectional flow of blood

Question 8

what is lymph from the gastrointestinal tract called?

Answer 8

chyle

Question 9

what does chyle include that regular lymph might not?

Answer 9

rich in lipid molecules absorbed after a meal (especially triglycerides)

Question 10

what are the vessels that collect chyle called?

Answer 10

lacteals

Question 11

which system does lymph empty into?

Answer 11

venous circulation system

Question 12

what is the biggest lymph vessel?

Answer 12

thoracic duct

Question 13

which parts of the body drain into the thoracic duct?

Answer 13

left and right lower limbs, pelvis, abdomen, left side of thorax and left side of head and neck

Question 14

where does the thoracic duct empty into?

Answer 14

left brachiocephalic vein (where left jugular and left subclavian vein join)

Question 15

which parts of the body drain into the right lymphatic duct?

Answer 15

right side of the face and neck

Question 16

where does the right lymphatic vein drain into?

Answer 16

right brachiocephalic vein (where the right subclavian and jugular vein meet)

Question 17

What is the cistern chyli?

Answer 17

present just before the thoracic duct

Question 18

approximately where is the cistern chill found?

Answer 18

near first lumbar vertebra, close to the aortic opening of diaphragm

Question 19

where does cisterna chyli receive lymph from?

Answer 19

lumbar lymphatics and gastrointestinal tract (lacteals)

Question 20

what causes primary lymphoedema?

Answer 20

malformed or absent lymphatic vessels caused by inheritance

Question 21

what causes secondary lymphoedema?

Answer 21

• excessive accumulation of interstitial fluid
• obstruction of lymphatic vessels
• lack of skeletal muscle contraction

Question 22

where is it common to find lymphoid tissue?

Answer 22

in connective tissues of mucous membranes or wherever pathogens can enter the body

Question 23

give examples of where you may find lymphoid tissue?

Answer 23

• urinary tract
• reproductive tract
• respiratory airways
• gastrointestinal tract
• appendix

Question 24

name 2 types of lymphoid tissue

Answer 24

• tonsils
• aggregated lymphatic follicle (Peyer’s Patches)

Question 25

where can you find Peyer's Patches?

Answer 25

ileum

Question 26

difference between lymphatic tissues and organs

Answer 26

lymphatic organs are encapsulated and distinct

Question 27

what are the primary lymphatic organs?

Answer 27

bone marrow and thymus

Question 28

Role of bone marrow

Answer 28

consists of pluripotent stem cells that can develop into RBCs and WBCs, including T and B-lymphocytes

Question 29

role of the thymus

Answer 29

where t-cells mature in children

Question 30

where can the thyme be found?

Answer 30

behind the sternum, above the heart

Question 31

what are the secondary lymph organs?

Answer 31

- lymph nodes - spleen

Question 32

where are lymph nodes located?

Answer 32

along the course of lymphatic vessels

Question 33

role of lymph nodes

Answer 33

where b-cells mature

Question 34

what is the importance of lymph vessels in cancer?

Answer 34

secondary tumour sites predicted based on direction of lymph flow from primary tumour site since metastasis can occur via lymph vessels

Question 35

importance of lymph nodes in cancer?

Answer 35

spread of cancer to lymph nodes suggests how far the cancer has progressed

Question 36

function of the spleen

Answer 36

breaks down RBCs, stores lymphocytes

Question 37

where can you find the spleen?

Answer 37

underneath the left dome of the diaphragm, under ribs 9, 10 and 11

Question 38

what is splenomegaly?

Answer 38

enlarged spleen

Question 39

what can cause splenomegaly?

Answer 39

- increased work-load due to infection e.g. sickle cell, leukaemia - liver diseases since they share a drainage system

Question 40

symptoms of splenomegaly

Answer 40

pain in abdomen, chest and back