Overview of the lymphatics system Flashcards
(50 cards)
What is the lymphatics system?
Fluid conducting system
Transports lymph in vessels connected by nodes
What is lymph?
Clear, watery fluid made from reabsorbed interstitial fluid
Function of the lymph
Drains excess interstitial fluid to maintain circulating volume and blood pressure
Transports dietary lipids and lipid soluble vitamins
Immune response
Where are lymphatic capillaries found?
Everywhere except avascular tissue, CNS, spleen and bone marrow
Where are lacteals found?
Small intestine
What do lacteals do?
Carry dietary lipids to lymphatic vessels
What do anchoring filaments do?
Attach lymphatic endothelial cells to surrounding tissues. When pressure rises, the cells separate so fluid can pass through
Characteristics of lymphatic capillaries
Has both lymphatic and venous component Drain fluid outside cells Endothelium opens so fluid can permeate Located between cells, one end is open Overlap to ensure one way flow of lymph
Flow chart passage of lymph
Lymph capillary - lymph vessel - lymph node - lymph trunks - lymph disks
What are the two pumps that help move lymph?
Skeletal muscle pump and respiratory pump
How does the skeletal muscle pump help move lymph?
Milking action caused by skeletal muscle contractions
How does the respiratory pump help move lymph?
In inhalation, lymph travels down pressure gradient from abdomen to chest
What are the five lymph trunks?
Jugular Subclavian Bronchomediastinal Intestinal Lumbar
Where are the jugular lymph trunks located?
Head and neck
Where are the subclavian lymph trunks located?
Upper limbs
Where are the bronchomediastinal lymph trunks located?
Thoracic wall, lung and heart
Where are the intestinal lymph trunks located?
Liver, stomach, intestine, pancreas
Where are the lumbar lymph trunks located?
Lower limbs, pelvis, kidneys, adrenal glands, abdominal wall
How long is the thoracic duct?
40 cm
What does the thoracic duct originate as?
Dilation cisternachyli
Where does the thoracic duct receive lymph from?
Lower limbs, lumbar trunks, intestine, left jugular, left subclavian, left bronchiomediastinal
Where does the thoracic duct drain lymph from?
Right jugular, right subclavian, right bronchiomediastinal
How long is the right lymphatic duct?
1.2 cm
When are the right lymphatic duct and left thoracic duct commonly injured?
Neck dissections to remove cancerous lymph nodes
