large intestine - rectum - lymphatic drainage Flashcards
(15 cards)
Where does the upper part of the rectum drain lymphatically?
The upper part of the rectum drains lymph to the deep cervical lymph nodes.
Where does the middle part of the rectum drain lymphatically?
The middle part of the rectum drains lymph to the posterior mediastinal lymph nodes.
Where does the lower part of the rectum drain lymphatically?
The lower part of the rectum drains lymph to the left gastric lymph nodes, which then drain into the celiac nodes.
What is the importance of the lymphatic drainage of the rectum?
The lymphatic drainage of the rectum helps in immune defense and fluid balance. It is important for preventing infections and for the removal of excess fluids from the rectal tissues.
How does the lymphatic drainage from the rectum differ from the rest of the large intestine?
The upper rectum drains into deep cervical lymph nodes, while the middle and lower rectum have different drainage paths, with the lower rectum draining into the celiac nodes. This difference in drainage routes reflects the distinct embryologic origins of the rectum compared to the rest of the large intestine.
What might happen if the lymphatic drainage in the rectum is blocked?
If the lymphatic drainage of the rectum is blocked, it could lead to swelling, infections, or the spread of cancer cells to the lymph nodes, which can affect overall immune function.
What is the role of the left gastric lymph nodes in draining the rectum?
The left gastric lymph nodes receive lymph from the lower rectum and are important for filtering out waste, preventing infection, and playing a role in the body’s immune response.
What is the pathway of lymph from the rectum to the celiac nodes?
Lymph from the lower rectum drains into the left gastric lymph nodes, which then drain into the celiac nodes, an important part of the body’s immune system.
What is the pathway for lymph drainage from the upper rectum?
Lymph from the upper rectum drains into the deep cervical lymph nodes, located in the neck. These nodes filter lymph and help fight infections.
What happens to the lymph from the middle rectum?
Lymph from the middle rectum drains into the posterior mediastinal lymph nodes, which are located in the chest area behind the heart. These nodes play a role in filtering lymph and supporting immune function.
What is the pathway for lymph drainage from the lower rectum?
Lymph from the lower rectum drains first to the left gastric lymph nodes, and then into the celiac lymph nodes. These nodes are crucial for immune defense and fluid balance in the body.
What is the clinical significance of the dual lymphatic drainage of the rectum?
The rectum has dual lymphatic drainage:
Upper rectum drains to deep cervical lymph nodes (which are part of the portal circulation).
Middle and lower rectum drain to systemic lymph nodes (including the celiac nodes).
This dual system explains why rectal cancer can spread to both the portal system (through the superior rectal vein) and the systemic system (through middle and inferior rectal veins).
How does rectal cancer affect lymphatic drainage?
Rectal cancer can spread through the lymphatic system, often first affecting the regional lymph nodes, such as the left gastric lymph nodes and celiac nodes. Cancer cells can also travel to distant lymph nodes, making early detection and treatment important.
How does lymphatic drainage influence immune function in the rectum?
Lymphatic drainage from the rectum is important for immune defense. The lymph nodes that receive lymph from the rectum (like deep cervical, posterior mediastinal, and celiac nodes) help filter out harmful substances and bacteria, supporting the body’s immune system and helping to prevent infections.
What is the role of celiac lymph nodes in draining the rectum?
The celiac lymph nodes drain lymph from the lower rectum. These nodes are part of the body’s immune system and help filter lymph, removing waste and preventing infections from spreading to other parts of the body.
