Exam Review for Chapter 14: Lymphatic System

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Questions and Answers

List the general functions of the lymphatic system.

The lymphatic system removes interstitial fluid from tissues, absorbs and transports fatty acids and fats as chyle from the digestive system, and transports white blood cells to and from the lymph nodes into the bones.

Describe the difference between thoracic duct and right lymphatic duct.

The right lymphatic duct drains lymph from the right upper limb, right side of the thorax, and right halves of the head and neck, while the thoracic duct drains lymph into the circulatory system at the left brachiocephalic vein.

Describe the lymphatic pathway.

Lymph flows from lymphatic vessels into lymphatic trunks and finally into collecting ducts where it is disposed into the subclavian veins.

Describe the major functions of lymph.

The lymphatic system helps rid the body of toxins, waste, and unwanted materials, and transports lymph containing infection-fighting white blood cells. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the factors that promote lymph flow.

Lymph flow is primarily influenced by the rate of lymph formation and is increased by higher blood capillary pressure due to arterial vasodilation or venous constriction. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the consequences of lymphatic obstruction.

Lymphatic obstruction leads to the blockage of lymph vessels, which may cause lymphedema, resulting in swelling due to the accumulation of lymph fluid. Signup and view all the answers

Distinguish between a lymph node and lymph nodule.

A lymph nodule is smaller than a lymph node, lacks a well-defined connective-tissue capsule, and does not function as a filter. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the major function of a lymph node.

Lymph nodes filter lymph and assist the immune system in building an immune response. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the functions of the thymus and spleen and why they are considered organs of the lymphatic system.

The thymus produces T-lymphocytes and secretes thymosin, aiding immune response, while the spleen filters blood and contains T lymphocytes. Signup and view all the answers

Describe an infection and the seven innate defense mechanisms.

Infection is the process of infecting or the state of being infected; the seven innate defense mechanisms are physical barriers, chemical barriers, cellular defenses, inflammation, fever, among others. Signup and view all the answers

Describe immunity.

Immunity is the ability of an organism to resist a particular infection or toxin through the action of specific antibodies or sensitized white blood cells. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the difference between an antigen and a hapten.

Antigens can cause an immune response and are both antigenic and immunogenic, while haptens are small molecules that can act as antigenic agents but do not cause an immune response on their own. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how T cells and B cells originate.

T cells and B cells originate from lymphocytes in the bone marrow and migrate to parts of the lymphatic system such as lymph nodes, spleen, and thymus. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Functions of the Lymphatic System

Responsible for removal of interstitial fluid from tissues.
Absorbs and transports fatty acids and fats from the digestive system as chyle.
Transports white blood cells to and from lymph nodes and bones.

Thoracic Duct vs. Right Lymphatic Duct

Right lymphatic duct drains lymph from the right upper limb, right thorax, and right halves of head and neck.
Thoracic duct drains lymph into the circulatory system at the left brachiocephalic vein, situated between the left subclavian and left internal jugular veins.

Lymphatic Pathway

Lymph flows from lymphatic vessels to lymphatic trunks and then to collecting ducts, ultimately emptying into subclavian veins.
Lymphatic vessels run parallel to blood capillaries, facilitating the diffusion of tissue fluid into the lymphatic pathway.

Major Functions of Lymph

A network of tissues and organs that helps eliminate toxins, waste, and unwanted materials from the body.
Transports lymph, a fluid rich in infection-fighting white blood cells, throughout the body.

Factors Promoting Lymph Flow

Rate of lymph formation significantly influences lymph flow.
Increased blood capillary pressure, due to arterial vasodilation or venous constriction, causes an uptick in lymph flow.
Valves in lymph vessels prevent retrograde flow, akin to venous valves.

Consequences of Lymphatic Obstruction

Blockage in lymph vessels that drains fluid and allows immune cells to circulate can lead to lymphedema.
Lymphedema is characterized by swelling resulting from such blockages.

Lymph Node vs. Lymph Nodule

Lymph nodules are smaller and lack a well-defined connective-tissue capsule compared to lymph nodes.
Lymph nodules do not filter lymph and are typically not located along lymphatic vessels; collections in the small intestine are known as Peyer's patches.

Major Functions of Lymph Nodes

Filter lymph and support the immune system in mounting an immune response.
Lymph is derived from blood plasma that exits blood vessels and becomes interstitial fluid surrounding cells.

Functions of Thymus and Spleen

The thymus produces T-lymphocytes essential for immune response and secretes thymosin to mature T-lymphocytes.
The spleen, the largest lymphatic organ, mimics a large lymph node and consists of lobules or chambers, playing a crucial role in the lymphatic system.

Infection and Innate Defense Mechanisms

Infection refers to the process of being infected by pathogens.
Seven innate defense mechanisms include:
- Physical barriers
- Chemical barriers
- Cellular defenses
- Inflammation
- Fever
- Molecular defenses

Immunity

Describes the ability of an organism to resist specific infections or toxins through antibodies or sensitized white blood cells.

Antigen vs. Hapten

Antigens can initiate an immune response and are both antigenic and immunogenic, while haptens are smaller molecules that only exhibit antigenic properties when paired with a carrier.

Origin of T Cells and B Cells

Both T cells and B cells originate from lymphocytes (white blood cells).
They start in the bone marrow, migrating to lymphatic structures such as lymph nodes, spleen, and thymus, where they gain receptors to recognize foreign substances.

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Description

This quiz focuses on Chapter 14 of biology, covering the lymphatic system and immunity. You'll review key functions of the lymphatic system and differences between various immune responses. Perfect for exam preparation!