lymphatic Flashcards
(13 cards)
what is the main function of the lymphatic system?
to collect the fluid that escapes from the capillaries and return it back to the circulatory system
It is also an important part of the
body’s internal defence against
disease-causing organisms
describe the structure of the lymphatic system
The lymphatic system consists of:
- a network of lymph capillaries
joined to larger lymph vessels (also
called lymphatic vessels or
lymphatics) - lymph nodes, which are located
along the length of some lymph
vessels.
where is lymph collected and transported
Lymph is the fluid collected from between the cells and transported in lymph vessels to the large veins.
What type of system is the lymphatic system?
The lymphatic system is a one-way system carrying fluid away from the tissues.
Where do lymph vessels start?
hey start as blind-ended tubes in the spaces between the cells of most tissues.
Where does lymph go after passing through lymph vessels?
The lymph vessels join into two lymphatic ducts that empty into large veins in the upper chest.
How is lymph moved through the lymphatic system?
Lymph is moved by smooth muscle, skeletal muscle, and valves in the vessels.
What are lymph vessels?
Lymph vessels are tubes that carry lymph through the lymphatic system and help return it to the bloodstream.
What does lymph contain when it enters lymph nodes?
Lymph contains cell debris, foreign particles, and micro-organisms that have passed the body’s external defences.
What happens to large particles like bacteria in lymph nodes?
They can be trapped in the meshwork of fibres as lymph flows through the node.
How are harmful particles destroyed in the lymph nodes?
Macrophages destroy them by phagocytosis (engulfing and digesting them).
Why do lymph nodes swell during an infection?
Lymph nodes swell because the number of lymphocytes increases to fight the infection.
what are lymph nodes
small lumps of tissue that contain white blood cells, which fight infection
