Module 5 - Anatomy of the Lymphatic System Flashcards
Lymphatic System Key Attributes (4)
1) Closely associated with the cardiovascular system
2) Lymphatic vessels take up excess tissue fluid from the cardiovascular capillaries and return it to the bloodstream
3) Lymphatic capillaries absorb fats and transport them into the bloodstream
4) Helps with immunity to defend the body
Lymph characteristics (3)
1) Fluid of the lymphatic system
2) Contains white blood cells, fats, water, proteins, salts and many other substances
3) Drains through the lymphatic system into the bloodstream
Lymph path of flow (4)
1) Flows one way
2) Begins in the interstitial fluid (in between cells)
3) Most fluid returns via the veins in the cardiovascular system
4) Fluid not returned through the veins enters lymphatic capillaries into a lymphatic vessel
Lymphatic capillaries (4)
1) Closely connected to capillaries of the cardiovascular system
2) Take up plasma fluid which has been forced out of the cardiovascular capillaries
3) Excess tissue fluid entering the lymphatic capillaries is then called lymph
4) Flow: lymphatic capillaries to larger lymphatic vessels to venous blood to the cardiovascular system
Lymphatic vessels (4)
1) Extend throughout most sections of the body
2) One way flow valves to prevent backflow
3) Return to venous circulation dependent on skeletal muscular contraction
4) Smaller vessels merge to larger and larger ones
Where do lymphatic vessels enter venous circulation? (2)
1) Thoracic duct (Left lymphatic duct) into left subclavian vein
2) Right lymphatic duct into right subclavian vein
Thoracic duct (2)
1) Larger than right lymphatic duct
2) Areas drained include:
a) Both lower extremities
b) Abdomen
c) Left arm
d) Left head and neck
Right lymphatic duct (2)
1) Smaller
2) Drains fluid from
a) Right arm
b) Right side of the head and neck
c) Right thoracic region
Lymph nodes general characteristics (3)
1) Hundreds of lymph nodes, found at the junctions of lymphatic vessels
2) Encapsulated in fibrous connective tissue
3) Many incoming vessels and fewer outgoing vessels
Lymph node internal view (memorize)
Lymph node flow (3)
1) Afferent vessels (incoming)
2) Lymph flows through network of sinuses that contain cells
3) Lymph flows out through efferent vessel (outgoing)
Lymph Node interior (4)
1) Divided into open spaces called nodules
2) Contains lymphocytes and macrophages
3) Act as a filtering center
4) Rids the lymph of pathogens and debris as it passes through sinuses
a) Cortical
b) Subscapular
c) Medullary
Lymph Node Locations (2)
1) Tend to be grouped in regions of body
2) Higher concentration
a) Groin
b) Axilla (armpit region)
Spleen general characteristics (2)
1) Extracts old or defective blood cells and platelets
2) Removes debris, foreign matter, pathogens and toxins from the blood as it moves through it
Spleen blood flow (3)
1) Incoming: Splenic artery
2) Outgoing: Splenic vein
3) Vein flows into the hepatic portal vein (hepatic portal system)
