Lymphatic System Flashcards
(18 cards)
Characteristics of lymph:
- clear and colorless fluid
- similar to blood plasma but low in proteins
- tissue fluid taken up by lymphatic vessels
- supplies lymphocytes to bloodstream
Function of lymphatic system:
recover fluid lost from blood capillaries
guard against pathogens (immunity)
absorb lipids from small intenstine
What is lymph in intenstine called?
Chyle, contains fat droplets absorbed form digestion
Lymphatic capillaries ___
loosely connected overlapping endothelial cells, connected to capillaries
Why are lymphatic capillaries overlapping?
acts as a flap to ensure one-way flow of fluid into lymphatic capillary
How do substances enter lymphatic capillaries?
there are large gaps with cells that allow for large substances (ie. protein, cells) to enter
Lymph is returned to the ____ in the ______
circulatory system, subclavian veins
(2) collecting ducts:
right lymphatic duct, thoracic duct
Lymphatic nodules:
can be loosely associated or densely packed
MALT - mucosa associated lymphatic tissue
in passages of respiratory, digestive, reproductive, and urinary tracts
Peyer patches:
in small intestine, lymphatic nodules in the ileum
Primary Lymphatic Organs: Red Bone Marrows
B cells learn to recognize antigens, site of hemopoiesis
Primary Lymphatic Organs: Thymus
T cells learn to recognize antigens, shrinks after age 15
Secondary Lymphatic Organs: Lymph Nodes
cleanse lymph and act as site of T and B cell activation
Secondary Lymphatic Organs: Tonsils
patches of lymphatic tissue at entrance of pharynx
Secondary Lymphatic Organs: Red Pulp of Spleen
concentration of erythrocytes
Secondary Lymphatic Organs: White Pulp of Spleen
lymphocytes and macrophages
Lymphedema:
swelling due to fluid retention, typically in the limbs
*blockage of lymphatic vessel, caused by removal or damage of lymph node
