Module 7 - Lymphatic System Anatomy and Function
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following mechanisms primarily drives the movement of lymph through lymphatic vessels?

  • Skeletal muscle contractions and one-way valves. (correct)
  • Active pumping by lymphatic hearts.
  • The pressure gradient established by the circulatory system.
  • Osmotic pressure gradients created by plasma proteins.

Lymph nodes play a crucial role in the specific immune response by:

  • Detoxifying harmful substances absorbed from the digestive tract.
  • Producing red blood cells to enhance oxygen transport.
  • Secreting antibodies directly into the bloodstream.
  • Filtering lymph and facilitating the interaction of lymphocytes with antigens. (correct)

The thoracic duct is responsible for draining lymph from which major portion of the body?

  • The left side of the head, neck, chest, and the entire lower body. (correct)
  • Only the abdominal region.
  • The right upper limb and right side of the head.
  • The entire right side of the body.

Which of the following is NOT a primary function of the lymphatic system?

<p>Transporting oxygen and nutrients to tissues. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do lymphatic capillaries differ from blood capillaries in terms of permeability?

<p>Lymphatic capillaries are more permeable, allowing larger molecules and fluids to enter. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which mechanism primarily relies on pressure changes in the thoracic cavity to facilitate lymph transport?

<p>Respiratory movements (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of valves within lymphatic vessels?

<p>To prevent the backflow of lymph (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a patient has a compromised lymphatic system, which cell type's function would be MOST directly affected?

<p>Lymphocytes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the function of T cells within the lymphatic system?

<p>Managing immune response and directly attacking infected cells (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of plasma cells, which are derived from B cells?

<p>Secreting antibodies to target specific antigens (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Peyer's patches, found in the intestinal walls, are an example of what?

<p>Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of macrophages within lymph nodes?

<p>Filtering lymph to remove microorganisms and debris (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What region of the lymph node is heavily populated with T cells in transit?

<p>The deep cortex (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the primary mechanism by which lymphatic capillaries collect tissue fluid?

<p>Flap-like minivalves formed by overlapping endothelial cells opening when interstitial fluid pressure increases. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of anchoring filaments in the structure of lymphatic capillaries?

<p>To prevent the collapse of lymphatic capillaries during increased tissue pressure. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do lymphatic vessels contribute to maintaining fluid balance in the body?

<p>By reabsorbing excess interstitial fluid and returning it to the bloodstream. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of lymphatic capillaries makes them well-suited for the absorption of large molecules and cellular debris that blood capillaries cannot readily absorb?

<p>Greater permeability due to the presence of minivalves and loosely joined endothelial cells. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Lymph nodes are strategically located along lymphatic vessels. What is their primary role in the specific immune response?

<p>Filtering lymph to remove pathogens and serving as a site for immune cell activation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the thymus in relation to the lymphatic system and the specific immune response?

<p>It is the site where T lymphocytes mature and differentiate. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the pathway of lymph fluid, starting from the interstitial space?

<p>Lymphatic capillaries → collecting lymphatic vessels → lymph nodes → lymphatic trunks → lymphatic ducts → subclavian veins. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the lymphatic system aid in the absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins in the small intestine?

<p>Specialized lymphatic capillaries called lacteals absorb fats and transport them to the bloodstream via the lymphatic system. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Lymph Transport

The process by which lymph moves through lymphatic vessels, aided by muscle contractions and other mechanisms.

Lymphocytes

White blood cells that are central to the immune response, mainly T cells and B cells.

T cells

A type of lymphocyte that manages immune responses and destroys infected cells.

B cells

A type of lymphocyte that produces plasma cells and antibodies to mark antigens for destruction.

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Antigens

Substances that the body recognizes as foreign, provoking an immune response.

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Lymph Nodes

Small, bean-shaped structures that filter lymph and activate immune responses against pathogens.

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Cortex of Lymph Node

The outer region of a lymph node that contains B cell follicles and is rich in immune activity.

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Medulla of Lymph Node

The inner region of a lymph node containing T cells and macrophages.

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Lymphatic Vessels

Vessels that return excess interstitial fluid to the blood.

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Lymph

Fluid in lymphatic vessels, similar to blood plasma, containing lymphocytes.

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Functions of Lymphatic System

Controls tissue fluid, produces immune responses, absorbs fats, and long-term defense against pathogens.

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Lacteals

Specialized lymph capillaries in the intestines that absorb digested fats.

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Functions of the Lymphatic System

Includes fluid balance, fat absorption, and immune response.

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Lymphatic Structures

Composed of vessels, tissues, and organs such as lymph nodes.

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Source of Lymph

Derived from interstitial fluid leaking from blood capillaries.

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Lymphatic Capillaries

Blind-ended tubes that collect lymph in tissues.

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Mechanism of Lymph Transport

Utilizes muscle contractions and valves in vessels to move lymph.

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Lymph Trunks

Large vessels that collect lymph from capillaries and drain into ducts.

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Lymph Ducts

Final vessels that return lymph to the venous system near the heart.

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Role of Lymph Nodes

Filter lymph and activate immune responses against pathogens.

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Study Notes

Lymphatic System

  • The lymphatic system returns fluids leaked from blood vessels back to blood
  • Composed of three parts:
    • Network of lymphatic vessels (lymphatics)
    • Lymph – fluid in the vessels
    • Lymph nodes – cleanse lymph

Functions of the Lymphatic System

  • Controls tissue fluid composition
  • Produces the immune response to specific antigens
  • Provides long-term defense against pathogens
  • Absorbs digested fat in the intestine through lacteals (specialised lymphatic capillaries)

Lymphatic Vessels

  • Return excess interstitial fluid
  • Present along lymph channels
  • Lymph is filtered and cleansed of foreign particles and microorganisms
  • Larger secondary lymphatic organs and tissues (e.g., spleen, tonsils, Payer's patches, MALT)

Lymph

  • Similar to blood plasma
  • Contains white blood cells called lymphocytes which respond to antigens
  • Phagocytes (cells that engulf antigens) are present

Lymph Transport

  • Lymph is propelled by:
    • Milking action of skeletal muscle
    • Pressure changes in the thorax during breathing
    • Valves to prevent backflow
    • Pulsations of nearby arteries
    • Contractions of smooth muscle in lymphatic walls

Lymphoid Cells

  • Lymphocytes are the main warriors of the immune system
  • Arise in red bone marrow
  • Mature into T cells (T lymphocytes) or B cells (B lymphocytes)

Lymphocytes (cont'd)

  • T cells and B cells protect against antigens (anything the body perceives as foreign)
  • Bacteria, bacterial toxins, viruses, mismatched RBCs, and cancer cells
  • T cells manage the immune response and attack infected cells
  • B cells produce plasma cells that secrete antibodies
  • Antibodies mark antigens for destruction (phagocytosis or other means)

Lymphoid Tissue

  • Houses and provides proliferation sites for lymphocytes
  • Surveillance vantage point for lymphocytes and macrophages
  • Examples:
    • Tissues lining the GIT (MALT)
    • Tissues in the intestinal walls (Peyer's patches)

Lymph Nodes

  • Principal lymphoid organs in the body
  • Embedded in connective tissue, clustered along lymphatic vessels
  • Located near body surfaces in inguinal, axillary, and cervical regions
  • Functions:
    • Filtering lymph: macrophages destroy microorganisms and debris
    • Immune system activation: lymphocytes are activated, attacking antigens

Structure of a Lymph Node

  • Vary in shape and size, but most are bean-shaped
  • External fibrous capsule
  • Trabeculae extend inward, dividing the node into compartments
  • Two histologically distinct regions: cortex and medulla

Structure of a Lymph Node (cont'd)

  • Cortex contains follicles with germinal centers (heavy with dividing B cells)
  • Dendritic cells nearly encapsulate follicles
  • Deep cortex houses T cells in transit – continually circulating among blood, lymph nodes, and lymph

Lymphoid Organs (additional)

  • Tonsils (pharyngeal region)
  • Thymus (thorax, most active during youth)
  • Spleen (curves around the left side of the stomach)
  • Peyer's patches (aggregated lymphoid nodules in the small intestine)
  • Appendix

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Module 7 - Lymphatic System PDF

Description

Assess your knowledge of the lymphatic system. Questions cover lymph movement mechanisms, lymph node function, and the roles of T cells and macrophages. Explore lymphatic vessels and their impact on immunity.

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