Week 8: Lymphatic System Flashcards
(14 cards)
What is the lymphatic system?
A system of specialized vessels
and organs whose main function
is to return the lymph from
the tissues back into the
bloodstream
Considered as a part of both
the circulatory and immune
systems
it regulates the balance of fluids
in the body and filters the
pathogens from the blood
Functions of the Lymphatic system
- Reabsorbs excess interstitial fluid:
* returns it to the venous circulation
* maintain blood volume levels
* prevent interstitial fluid levels from rising out of control - Transport dietary lipids:
* transported through lacteals
* drain into larger lymphatic vessels
* eventually into the bloodstream - lymphocyte development, and the immune response
describe the lymphatic drainage.
- Lymphatic capillary
- Lymphatic Vessel
- Lymphatic Node
- Lymphatic Vessel
- Lymphatic Trunk
- Lymphatic Duct
- Lymphatic Vein
Lymph capillaries structure
- Blind end
- Single layer of overlapping endothelial cells
- More permeable than that of blood capillary
- Absent in avascular tissues, brain, spinal cord, splenic pulp, and bone marrow.
-In the small intestine, specialized lymphatic capillaries called lacteals absorb lipids and fat-soluble vitamins.
How are lymphatic vessels different from veins?
Thinner walls than veins.
More numerous valves than veins.
Located both superficially and deeply.
Name the major lymphatic trunks.
Jugular trunks (right & left)
Subclavian trunks (right & left)
Bronchomediastinal trunks (right & left)
Intestinal trunk
Lumbar trunks (right & left)
How are lymphatic ducts formed?
formed by union of right jugular, subclavian and bronchomediastinal
Where are the thoracic ducts located?
At the root of the neck, it turns laterally.
Arches forwards and descends to enter the left venous angle
Before it terminates, it receives the left jugular, subclavian and mediastinal trunk
What are the primary and secondary lymphoid organs?
Primary: Red bone marrow, thymus.
Secondary: Lymph nodes, lymph nodules, spleen.
What is a sentinel (regional) lymph node?
The first node to receive lymph drainage from an organ or region.
Describe the anatomy of a lymph node.
Small, round or oval.
Found along lymphatic vessels.
Found in clusters or singly.
Has afferent (entry) and efferent (exit) vessels.
Divided into superficial and deep groups
Under the pattern of lymph drainage, what is the function of the right lymphatic duct?
Receives lymph from right half of head, neck, thorax and right upper limb, right lung, right side of heart, right surface of liver
Under the pattern of lymph drainage, what is the function of the thoracic duct?
Drains lymph from lower limbs, pelvic cavity, abdominal cavity, left side of thorax, and left side of the head, neck and left upper limb
