W2 - The Lymphatic System

Question 1

Describe the origin and composition of lymph

Answer 1

Tissue fluid that enters lymphatic capillaries (plasma, plasma proteins)

Question 2

List the three functions of the lymphatic system

Answer 2

a) Fluid balance (reclaims fluid)
b) Immunity
c) Absorption and transportation of lipids from vili of jejunum to blood circulation

Question 3

Identify factors that assist with the flow of lymph

Answer 3

• skeletal muscle contration (moving)
• thoracic pressure changes (breathing)
• pulsating nearby arteries
• valves
• lymphatic vessels contract (smooth muscle) when stretched
• Rapidly flow lying blood in subclavian veins draw lymph in

Question 4

Provide examples of where it would be beneficial to slow the flow of lymph

Answer 4

• limit infection or venom spread
• immobilise, pressure dressings

Question 5

Name the duct draining most of the lymph in the body

Answer 5

• Thoracic Duct

Question 6

For each region state whether the lymph will drain into the right lymphatic duct (R) or the left lymphatic duct (l)/ thoracic duct

Right hand :
Left Breast:
Right leg:
Right breast:

Answer 6

Right hand : R
Left Breast: L
Right leg: L
Right breast: R

Question 7

List the major functions of the ~600 lymph nodes in the body

Answer 7

• filter lymph (removes 99% impurities
• phagocytosis
• activation of immune response

Question 8

Name 4 cell types found in the lymph nodes

Answer 8

1 : Lymphocytes
2 : macrophages
3 : reticulocytes
4 : Dendritic

Question 9

Seventy percent (70%) of the immune cells in the human body are in the lymphatic tissue of the small intestine and colon. Discuss why you think their placement here is important

Answer 9

• monitor micro-organisms incoming with food and resident micro-biota living in instetine
• collaboration with microbiota