Lymphatic System (Midterm 2) Flashcards
What is the lymphatic system?
network of small organs and tubes through which lymph flows
What is the purpose of the lymphatic system?
takes extra IF from cardiac system and dumps it into lymph fluid, cleans it, returns cleansed fluid into veins \ supports cardiac and immune system
What happens if the lymphatic system is disrupted?
can lead to edema
What is edema?
abnormal accumulation of fluid in the interstitial spaces
What would happen if edema occurred in the lungs?
pulmonary edema
What would happen if edema occurred in the muscles?
blockage of lymph nodes/vessels = swelling in limbs (ie: legs) = can lead to infections
What would happen if edema occurred in the heart?
pericardial sac filled with fluid = limits the amount of space the heart can refill blood again = harder to breathe bc not getting enough O2 bc decrease in blood volume output
What is lymph?
fluid from the interstitial fluid
What are lymphatic vessels?
the tubes of the lymphatic system
What are lymph nodes?
the small organs of the lymphatic system, contains T and B cells
What is the function of lymph nodes?
to monitor and cleanse the lymph as it moves thru
What are lymphatic capillaries?
lymphatic vessels that intertwine within cardiac capillaries
What is the function of lymphatic capillaries?
drains/carries unwanted material dumped from the cardiac system
What is pulmonary edema?
alveolar sacs filled with fluid rather than air
How would pulmonary edema affect the delivery of blood gases?
it will increase the distance gases need to diffuse across membranes = makes it harder for the O2 to get into capillaries (or CO2) = decrease in O2 in blood and cells = harder to breathe/function
