Lymphatic System: Key Concepts

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following accurately describes the role of lymphatic capillaries in fluid balance?

They transport oxygenated blood to tissues.
They collect excess fluid from tissues that blood capillaries do not reabsorb. (correct)
They directly reabsorb most of the fluid that leaves blood capillaries.
They filter blood, removing pathogens and cellular debris.

How do lipids from digested food enter the bloodstream via the lymphatic system?

They are deposited into lacteals, which drain into lymphatic vessels and eventually the thoracic duct. (correct)
They are directly absorbed into blood capillaries in the intestines.
They enter the bloodstream through the right lymphatic duct.
They are processed in the liver before entering the lymphatic system.

What is the primary function of the spleen within the lymphatic system?

Filtering lymph to remove pathogens and initiate immune responses.
Maturing B cells.
Filtering blood to detect and respond to pathogens and microorganisms. (correct)
Producing red blood cells.

Where do T cells mature before circulating to secondary lymphatic structures?

Thymus (C)

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Which of the following is a function of the lymph nodes?

Filtering lymph to remove pathogens (A)

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What areas of the body are drained by the right lymphatic duct?

The right upper quarter of the body. (B)

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Where is mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) primarily located?

Gastrointestinal, respiratory, and urinary tracts. (D)

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How does lymph return to the venous system?

Via the lymphatic and thoracic ducts emptying into the subclavian veins. (A)

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Which of the following is considered a primary lymphatic structure?

Thymus (A)

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If a pathogen is detected in the lymph, what is the immediate response within a lymph node?

Initiation of an immune response by B and T cells. (B)

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Flashcards

Fluid Balance

Returning excess fluid from body tissues to the central venous system.

Lymphatic Drainage Pathway

Lymphatic capillaries collect excess fluid, draining into collecting vessels, then trunks, and finally ducts (lymphatic and thoracic) that empty into subclavian veins.

Lymphatic Ducts

The right lymphatic duct drains the right upper quarter of the body into the right subclavian vein. The thoracic duct drains the other three-quarters of the body into the left subclavian vein.

Fat Absorption (Lymphatic System)

Transport of lipids from digested food, absorbed into lacteals in intestinal cells, then drained into lymphatic vessels and the thoracic duct.

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Primary Lymphatic Structures

Creation and maturation of lymphoid cells (B and T cells). B and T cells are created in the red bone marrow, but T cells mature in the thymus.

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Secondary Lymphatic Structures

Areas where mature B and T cells congregate and initiate immune responses; examples include lymph nodes, tonsils, and MALT.

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Lymph Nodes

Located throughout the body along lymphatic vessels, these filter lymph before it re-enters the venous system and initiate an immune response if pathogens are present.

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Tonsils

Act as secondary lymphoid structures in the mouth and nose, aiding in immune response.

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Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (MALT)

Located in the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and urinary tracts, it monitors these tracts for pathogens and initiates an immune response if necessary.

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