Thoracic Lymphatic System Flashcards
(31 cards)
what are the 2 primary lymphatic organs of the thoracic lymphatic system
bone marrow and thymus
what are the 4 secondary lymphatic organs of the thoracic lymphatic system
spleen, tonsils, vessels, and lymph
what 3 things does the lymphatic system consist of
lymphatic tissues, organs, and vessels
what does the lymphatic system produce
protein rich fluid, lymphocytes, and antibodies
why is lymphatic fluid described as “protein rich”
it contains albumin and globulin
describe the general flow of lymphatic fluid through the body
Fluid escapes blood vessels into surrounding tissues, and the lymphatic system mops it up and returns it to circulation
where are lymph vessels found and what is their role
Lymphatic vessels are found throughout the body, draining lymph from body tissue and from lymph node to lymph node
what is edema caused by
Caused by blockage, high concentration of protein (increased oncotic pressure), increased permeability of the vessels, increased hydrostatic pressure
what is an inflamed lymph node indicative of
systemic infection; the region where the lymph node is inflamed is indicative of an infection within that region
how are lymph capillaries able to pick up fluid that escapes from blood capillaries
Lymph capillaries have a greater permeability than the blood capillary, so filtered components that leave the blood capillaries are able to be reabsorbed by the lymph capillary into the lymphatic system
describe lymph
clear, colorless liquid
what are the two paths by which lymph enters into lymphatic capillaries
through endothelial cells or via flap-like valves
describe the path of lymph back to circulation
Lymphatic capillaries collect lymph → lymphatic vessels with valves → lymphatic ducts
how does lymph travel through the lymphatic system
by contraction of surrounding tissues
what is the purpose of valves in the lymphatic system
prevent backflow
what are the 3 main lymphatic ducts
thoracic duct, tracheal duct, and right lymphatic duct
describe the thoracic duct
Continuation of the cisterna chyli; enters the thoracic cavity through the aortic hiatus into the mediastinum and receives lymph from the upper parts of the body and forelimbs and empties into the subclavian and brachiocephalic veins and into the vena cava
what is the cisterna chyli
dilated, sac-like, retroperitoneal structure that receives lymph from the abdominal cavity and the hindlimbs
which of the lymphatic ducts is paired
tracheal duct
what does retroperitoneal mean
outside of the peritoneum
What does the tracheal duct drain?
head, neck, and empties into the thoracic duct
which is the smallest of the lymphatic ducts
right lymphatic duct
which is the main lymphatic duct
thoracic duct
what does the right lymphatic duct drain
the right side of the head/neck, forelimb, and thorax and empties into the cranial vena cava
