Lymphatic System Disorders Flashcards
Chapter 11
Lymphatic System Functions
1)Return of excess interstitial fluid to the cardiovascular system
2)Filter and destroy foreign material by Initiating the immune response
3)Absorb lipids from the GI tract
Where do lymphatic vessels empty into?
Vessels empty into the subclavian veins.
Lymphatic vessels originate as?
Capillaries in contact with blood capillary bed in tissues
Lymph is collected by?
Lymphatic trunks
Lymphatic Trunks empty into?
Ducts
Lymphatic Ducts empty into?
Subclavian veins
Lymph Description & Characteristics
Clear, watery, isotonic fluid
Circulates in lymphatic vessels
Resembles blood plasma, with a lower protein content
Returned to the cardiovascular system
Lymphatic vessels are interrupted periodically by
lymph nodes, which collect excess debris, foreign material, and pathogenic material
The right lymphatic duct Drains into
right subclavian vein
Thoracic duct Drains into
left subclavian vein
What are lymphatic capillaries?
These tiny, thin-walled vessels are part of the lymphatic system, which collects fluid from tissues and organs. They are blind-ended, meaning they are closed at one end, and are found in almost all body tissues.
What do lymphatic capillaries do?
They collect and filter fluid, plasma proteins, bacteria, and other substances from the body’s cells and tissues. They also transport lipids absorbed from the intestinal tract and help the immune system by transporting antigens and leucocytes to lymphoid organs.
Lymphomas
Malignant neoplasms involving lymphocyte proliferation in lymph nodes
Specific causes not identified
Two main disorders
Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Lymphomas are at higher risk in adults who received?
radiation during childhood
Hodgkin’s lymphomas vs Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
If a specific type of cell called a Reed-Sternberg cell is seen, the lymphoma is classified as Hodgkin’s. If the Reed-Sternberg cell is not present, the lymphoma is classified as non-Hodgkin’s. Many subtypes of lymphoma exist.
A lymphoma distinguished by multiple node involvement
Both can involve multiple nodes.
A lymphoma that is nonorganized, with widespread metastases
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Initially involves a single lymph node
The cancer spreads to adjacent nodes
To organs via lymphatics
T lymphocytes seem to be defective; lymphocyte count decreased
Presence of Reed-Sternberg cells
Giant cells present in lymph node
Four subtypes
Based on cells found at the biopsy
Symptoms Of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
1)The first indicator—usually a painless enlarged lymph node
2)Later—splenomegaly and enlarged lymph nodes
3)General signs of cancer
Weight loss, anemia, low-grade fever, night sweats; fatigue may develop.
Treatment Of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Radiation, chemotherapy, surgery
Staging and prognosis of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma dependent on
1)Number of nodes involved
2)Location of nodes involved
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
increasing in incidence
Partially caused by HIV infection
Similar to Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Clinical signs and symptoms are similar.
More difficult to treat when tumors are not localized
Initial manifestation—enlarged, painless lymph node
Lymphadenopathy
Inflammation or infection of lymph nodes
Infections caused by both bacteria and viruses
Cancer can cause severe inflammation of nodes
Pathophysiology/Etiology Of Lymphadenopathy
Caused by another disease (eg. cold, AIDS, toxoplasmosis)
Typically manifested as swollen lymph nodes
Often self-limiting- resolves when underlying cause is resolved