Topic 13: Lymphatic System

Question 1

what does the lymphatic system include?

Answer 1

-lymph vessels
-one way tracks that lead
back to the
cardiovascular system
-organs
-t and b lymphocytes (WBC)

Question 2

what is the purpose of the t and b lymphocytes?

Answer 2

-to protect the body against pathogens

Question 3

what are the major extracellular fluids in the lymphatic system?

Answer 3

-blood plasma
-fluid in the blood
-interstitial fluid
-bathes the tissue cells
(NOT BLOOD CELLS)
-lymph
-inside lymphatic vessels

Question 4

what systems does the lymphatic system support?

Answer 4

-cardiovascular system
-immune system

Question 5

how is interstitial fluid formed? where does it go?

Answer 5

-by the capillaries leaking plasma
-90% goes back into the
blood by the capillaries
and venules
-10% goes into lymphatic
circulation (is now called
lymph)

Question 6

what is lymph?

Answer 6

-watery fluid
-basically just interstitial fluid that has been moved to a new location

Question 7

what is the lymphatic systems main purpose?

Answer 7

-drain extra interstitial fluid from the tissue spaces and return it to the blood
-maintenance of blood volume

Question 8

what is the circulation of lymph?

Answer 8

-enters lymphatic capillaries
-close ended vessels (for
a one way track)
-lymphatic capillaries connect to lymphatic collecting vessels
-contains valves to
prevent back flow

Question 9

what are along the lymphatic vessels? what is their purpose?

Answer 9

-lymph nodes
-filter lymph of bacteria and debris

Question 10

where is lymph fluid transported so it can re-enter circulation

Answer 10

-transported away from the tissues
-two different ducts
-right lymphatic duct
-thoracic duct

Question 11

what is the pathway of the right lymphatic duct?

Answer 11

-takes the lymph from the right of your head, chest, arm (above diaphragm)
-drains into the right subclavian vein to re-enter circulation

Question 12

what is lymph named after it is returned to circulation?

Answer 12

-plasma

Question 13

what is the pathway of the thoracic duct?

Answer 13

-takes the lymph from the left side of the body and below the ribs on the right side
-collecting vessels move to the cisterna chyli
-drains into the left subclavian vein to re-enter circulation

Question 14

what type of pressure do lymphatic vessels work under?

Answer 14

-low pressure

Question 15

what is the cisterna chyli?

Answer 15

-the most inferior portion of the thoracic duct
-enlarged portion

Question 16

does all lymph that goes through the thoracic duct enter the cisterna chyli?

Answer 16

-nope
-lymph will not go against the flow
-upper body portions enter the thoracic duct at the nearest spot
-only lower body portions will enter the cisterna chyli

Question 17

what are the primary lymphatic organs and tissues?

Answer 17

-red bone marrow
-thymus gland

Question 18

what occurs in the red bone marrow?

Answer 18

-lymphocytes arise
-lymphoid stem cells
(create t and b
lymphocytes)
-b lymphocytes mature and go through mitotic divisions here (proliferate)

Question 19

what occurs in the thymus gland?

Answer 19

-t lymphocytes mature and go through mitotic divisions here (proliferate)

Question 20

what are the secondary lymphatic organs and tissues?

Answer 20

-lymph nodes
-spleen
-mucosal associated lymphoid tissue (MALT)

Question 21

do the lymphocytes proliferate in the secondary organs and tissues?

Answer 21

-yes
-when infection occurs they will need to greatly increase numbers

Question 22

what are the locations of lymph nodes along the body?

Answer 22

-cervical (neck)
-axillary (armpit)
-inguinal (groin)
-pelvic
-intestinal

Question 23

what is the purpose of the spleen?

Answer 23

-filters the blood to remove bacteria

Question 24

what is MALT (mucosal associated lymphoid tissue)

Answer 24

-tissue scattered across mucous linings
-located in tonsils and the appendix

Question 25

what are the 3 kinds of tonsils?

Answer 25

-adenoids (pharyngeal) - 1
-palatine - 2
-lingual - 1

Question 26

where are your adenoids (pharyngeal tonsils) located?

Answer 26

-in the nasopharynx

Question 27

where are your palatine tonsils located?

Answer 27

-in the oropharynx

Question 28

where are your lingual tonsils located?

Answer 28

-the base of the posterior portion of your tongue

Question 29

which tonsils are most commonly removed/most likely to become infected?

Answer 29

-palatine tonsils