Lymphatic System Flashcards
What is lymph? What are its component?
Interstitial fluid that enters lymphatic system is called lymph
Composed of IF and escaped plasma proteins
What are the essential functions of the lymphatic system?
- Drain interstitial fluid back to blood
- Protect against pathogens
- Absorb/transport lipids
What is the structural hierarchy of the lymphatic system?
Lymphatic capillaries < Lymphatic vessels < Lymph Nodes < Lymphatic Trunks < Lymphatic Ducts < Bloodstream
How are lymphatic capillaries different from regular capillaries?
Lymphatic Capillaries have closed circulation
-beginning (open intracellular cleft) and end (brachiocephalic vein)
How does lymph flow?
No pump.
- One-way valves
- Pressure gradient
- Skeletal muscle pumps
- Respiratory pumps
What are the various lymphatic trunks? Where are the lymph vessels coming from that form these trunks?
- Intestinal trunk: viscera of body
- Rt & Lt lumbar trunk: lower body & lumbar
- Rt & Lt Bronchomediastinal trunk: Thoracic organs
- Rt & Lt Subclavian trunk: upper extremities
- Rt & Lt jugular trunk: Head (not brain)
Where is there NO lymphatic drainage?
Brain. cornea, cartilage
Where do the lymphatic trunks join to drain into the lymphatic ducts?
They each drain to where the jugular and subclavian veins join together
Where do the lymphatic trunks drain into?
The left lymphatic (thoracic) duct and the right lymphatic duct
What is the start of the thoracic duct called?
Cysterna Chyli
-sac like (cistern)
What does each duct drain?
Thoracic (left) Duct
-Larger size b/c it drains everything below diaphragm, left thoracic cavity, left arm and left side of head
Right Lymphatic Duct
-Right thoracic cavity, right arm, and right side of head
What is a lymphoid tissue? What are the types?
contains macrophages and lymphocytes
Types:
-MALT, GALT, BALT
What are primary lymphoid organs?
Where lymphocytes are made and matured
The bone marrow and thymus
What are secondary lymphoid organs?
Lymphocytes not made there but reside there
The spleen, lymph nodes, tonsils
Are lymphatic nodules organs?
No. Not 2 or more tissue types working together.
