Lymphatic System Overview and Functions
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Questions and Answers

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

  • Defending against invading microorganisms
  • Absorbing lipids from the digestive system.
  • Producing red blood cells (correct)
  • Transporting excess fluid from interstitial space to bloodstream
  • Lymphatic capillaries are found throughout the entire body including the epidermis and CNS.

    False (B)

    What is the name of the fluid that enters the lymphatic capillaries?

    lymph

    The lymphatic capillaries in the small intestine that transport digested fats are called _______.

    <p>lacteals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does lymph fluid resemble?

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

    Match the components of the lymphatic system with their descriptions:

    <p>Lymphatic Capillaries = Blind-ended vessels in tissue spaces Lymphatic Vessels = Tubules which collect and filter lymph Lymphatic Organs = Filter lymph and contain lymphocytes Lymph = Fluid that enters the capillaries</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The main function of the lymphatic system is to produce hormones.

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

    What is the primary role of lymphocytes within the lymphatic system?

    <p>To destroy invading organisms (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Production of red blood cells (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The thoracic duct drains lymph from the entire body, including the upper right side.

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

    What is the primary function of tonsils?

    <p>To protect against invasion of foreign substances around nasal and oral cavities</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The surgical removal of the pharyngeal tonsil is known as a(n) ______.

    <p>adenoidectomy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a complication that can occur if the lymphatic vessels are obstructed?

    <p>Edema (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The spleen is the largest lymphatic organ in the body.

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

    Name one of the ways that lymph flow is assisted in the body.

    <p>Skeletal pump, respiratory pump, contraction of smooth muscle, or lymphatic vessel valves</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their descriptions:

    <p>Spleen = Largest lymphatic organ Bone Marrow = Produces blood cells Lymphatic Vessel Valve = Prevents backflow of lymph Edema = Complication resulting from obstructed lymphatic vessels</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of lymphatic capillaries?

    <p>To carry fluid away from the tissue spaces (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The thoracic duct empties into the right subclavian vein.

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

    What is the name of the hormone that causes maturation of the thymus and other lymphoid tissue?

    <p>thymosin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Lymph enters the lymph nodes through ______ lymphatic vessels.

    <p>afferent</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following structures with their primary function:

    <p>Thymus = T cell maturation Lymph nodes = Filtering and phagocytosis of foreign substances Spleen = Storage of blood and removal of worn-out cells Lymphatic vessels = Carry lymph fluid</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following mechanisms aids in the flow of lymph?

    <p>Respiratory pump (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Edema can result from decreased capillary blood pressure.

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

    What is the condition caused by filarial worms that block the flow of lymph, causing swelling?

    <p>Lymphatic Filariasis (Elephantiasis)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The largest mass of lymphatic tissue in the body is the ______.

    <p>spleen</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match each lymphatic structure with their respective location within the human anatomy.

    <p>Lymph nodes = Along lymphatic vessels Thymus = Between the sternum and the heart Spleen = Left hypochondriac region between the stomach and diaphragm Right lymphatic duct = Upper right side of the body</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of cells are primarily found in the white pulp of the spleen?

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

    The thymus continues to increase in size throughout adulthood.

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

    What is the term for enlargement of the lymph nodes due to inflammation?

    <p>lymphadenopathy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The right lymphatic duct drains lymph into the right ______ vein.

    <p>subclavian</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the type of cancer with its description.

    <p>Hodgkin’s Lymphoma = Cancer of the lymphatic system that spreads from lymph node to lymph node. Breast cancer = Can spread to surrounding lymph nodes through lymphatic vessels.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    What is the lymphatic system?

    A vast network of vessels and organs that collect, filter, and return lymph fluid to the bloodstream.

    What is lymph?

    Lymph is a clear, fluid similar to blood plasma that circulates throughout the lymphatic vessels.

    What are lymph capillaries?

    Lymph capillaries are tiny, blind-ended vessels that collect excess interstitial fluid and proteins.

    What are lymphatic vessels?

    Lymphatic vessels are larger tubes that transport lymph from the capillaries to lymph nodes and eventually back to the bloodstream.

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    What are lymphatic organs?

    Lymphatic organs are specialized structures that filter lymph and produce immune cells, such as lymph nodes, spleen, and tonsils.

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    What is lymphatic tissue?

    Lymphatic tissue is a type of connective tissue that is found in lymphatic organs and other parts of the body, containing lymphocytes.

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    How does the lymphatic system contribute to immunity?

    The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in the body's defense against infections by filtering lymph and producing immune cells.

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    What role does the lymphatic system play in lipid absorption?

    Lymphatic vessels transport lipids absorbed from the small intestine to the bloodstream, contributing to nutrient absorption.

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    Diffuse Lymphatic Tissue

    Lymphatic tissue that's not surrounded by a capsule, containing B and T lymphocytes from bone marrow and thymus. Important for early detection of invaders, but doesn't filter lymph as it lacks efferent vessels.

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    Adenoidectomy

    Surgical removal of the pharyngeal tonsil, which is also known as the adenoid. It's a protective barrier against bacteria and viruses in the nasal cavity.

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    Bone Marrow and Immunity

    A vital organ responsible for the production of blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It plays a crucial role in immunity by generating lymphocytes and maturing certain white blood cells.

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    Spleen Function

    The largest lymphatic organ in the body, responsible for filtering blood, storing white blood cells, and removing old or damaged red blood cells. It also plays a role in immune response.

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    Edema

    A condition that occurs when there is an obstruction to lymphatic vessels, causing fluid to build up in tissues.

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    Tonsils

    Lymphatic tissues embedded in the mucous membrane at the junction of the oral cavity and pharynx. They function to protect against invaders around the nasal and oral cavities.

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    Lymphatic Vessel Valves

    Valves within lymphatic vessels that prevent the backflow of lymph. This ensures the unidirectional flow of lymph towards the heart.

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    Splenectomy

    The process of removing the spleen, often done to prevent excessive bleeding or due to disease. It can affect immunity as the spleen plays a crucial role in filtering blood and fighting infections.

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    Lymphatic capillaries

    Tiny vessels that collect tissue fluid and carry it towards the lymph nodes.

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    Lymphatic valves

    Tiny valves located within lymphatic vessels that prevent the backflow of lymph fluid.

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    Lymph circulation

    The process of the lymphatic system collecting and transporting tissue fluid back to the bloodstream.

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    Lymphatic tributaries

    Larger vessels formed by the merging of smaller lymphatic vessels, carrying lymph towards the lymphatic trunks.

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    Lymphatic trunks

    Major channels of the lymphatic system that collect lymph from several lymphatic tributaries and deliver it to the venous system.

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    Right lymphatic duct

    A large lymphatic duct located on the right side of the body, receiving lymph from the right upper body.

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    Thoracic duct

    The largest lymphatic duct, located on the left side of the body, receiving lymph from the left upper body and entire lower body.

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    Left subclavian vein

    The point where the thoracic duct empties lymph into the venous system, on the left side of the body.

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    Lymphatic Filariasis (Elephantiasis)

    A condition where parasitic worms obstruct lymphatic vessels, leading to extreme swelling, especially in limbs.

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    Thymus

    A small gland located in the chest, responsible for the maturation of T lymphocytes.

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    Lymph nodes

    Oval-shaped structures located along lymphatic vessels, containing lymphocytes and macrophages.

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    Spleen

    The largest lymphatic organ located in the abdomen, responsible for filtering blood and storing blood cells.

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    White pulp

    The part of the spleen containing lymphocytes and macrophages, which destroy foreign substances.

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    Red pulp

    The part of the spleen containing blood sinuses and splenic cords, responsible for storing blood cells and filtering blood.

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    Study Notes

    Lymphatic System Overview

    • The lymphatic system is a vascular network of tubules and ducts.
    • It collects, filters, and returns lymph to blood circulation.
    • It is composed of organs working together to perform specific functions.
    • It plays a critical role in the body's defense against disease.

    Functions of the Lymphatic System

    • Transports excess fluid from interstitial spaces back to the bloodstream.
    • Lymph capillaries pick up excess interstitial fluid and proteins, returning them to venous blood.
    • Absorbs lipids from the digestive system and transports them to the venous circulation.
    • Defends against invading microorganisms and disease, filtering lymph in lymph nodes.
    • Lymph nodes and other lymphatic organs filter lymph to remove microorganisms.
    • Lymphatic organs contain lymphocytes that destroy invading organisms.

    Components of the Lymphatic System

    • Lymphatic capillaries
    • Lymphatic vessels
    • Lymphatic trunks
    • Lymphatic ducts
    • Lymphatic organs and tissues

    Lymphatic Capillaries

    • Begin as blind-ended lymph capillaries.
    • Found throughout the body except the epidermis, central nervous system (CNS), cornea of the eye, and bones.
    • The capillary walls are permeable to interstitial fluids, including proteins and cell debris.
    • Lacteals are lymphatic capillaries that transport digested fats from the small intestine into blood.
    • One-way valves prevent backflow of lymph.

    Lymphatic Vessels

    • Formed by merging lymphatic capillaries.
    • Found alongside arteries and veins.
    • Carry fluid away from tissue spaces and return it to the venous system.

    Lymphatic Trunks and Ducts

    • Small lymphatics form larger tributaries called lymphatic trunks.
    • Lymphatic trunks combine to form two large lymphatic ducts:
      • Right lymphatic duct: Drains the upper right side of the body. (Head, neck, right upper extremity, right side of thorax) Empties into the right subclavian vein.
      • Thoracic duct: Drains the rest of the body. (Left side of the head, neck, and chest, the left upper extremity, and the entire body below the ribs) Empties into the left subclavian vein.

    Flow of Lymph

    • Lymph flows from lymphatic capillaries to lymphatic vessels to lymphatic trunks and then into lymphatic ducts.
    • It joins the bloodstream at the junction of the jugular and subclavian veins.

    Maintenance of Lymph Flow

    • Aided by skeletal muscle contractions, compressing lymphatic vessels and moving lymph.
    • Respiratory pump, during inhalation, creates pressure differences between the abdomen and thoracic cavity.
    • Smooth muscle contraction in larger lymphatic vessels promotes lymph flow.
    • Lymphatic valves prevent backflow.

    Clinical Application of Lymphatic System

    • Edema: Excessive accumulation of interstitial fluid due to lymphatic system obstruction (infected lymph node or blocked lymphatic vessels), lack of skeletal muscle contraction, or increased capillary blood pressure.
    • Lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis): Filarial worms carried by mosquitos block lymphatic flow, resulting in edema.
    • Lymph node removal: (e.g., in cancer treatment)

    Lymphatic Organs

    • Thymus
    • Lymph nodes
    • Spleen
    • Tonsils
    • Bone marrow

    Thymus

    • Located between the sternum and heart.
    • Contains T cells, epithelial cells, and macrophages.
    • Site of T cell maturation before entering the bloodstream.
    • Thymosin hormone stimulates thymus and other lymphoid tissue maturation.
      • Shrinks during adolescence.

    Lymph Nodes

    • Oval structures located along lymphatic vessels.
    • Contains lymphocytes and macrophages.
    • Filter lymph and remove foreign substances
    • Heavily concentrated near mammary glands, axilla, and groin.
    • Lymph enters through afferent vessels and leaves through efferent vessels.
    • Proliferation of lymphocytes occurs in nodes.
    • Phagocytosis: Destruction of foreign substances by macrophages.

    Spleen

    • Largest lymphatic organ in the body.
    • Located in the left hypochondriac region, between the fundus of the stomach and diaphragm.
    • White pulp: contains lymphocytes.
    • Red pulp: filled with blood and splenic cords containing RBCs, macrophages, lymphocytes, plasma cells, and granulocytes.
    • Functions: phagocytosis (removal of worn-out or defective blood cells), storage of blood, immune response, and in some cases erythropoiesis (blood cell production).

    Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (MALT)

    • Lymphatic tissue not surrounded by capsules.
    • Contains B and T lymphocytes.
    • Important for early detection of invaders.
    • Includes Peyer's patches (in the ileum of the small intestine) and tonsils.

    Tonsils

    • Lymphatic nodules embedded in mucous membranes at the junction of the oral cavity and pharynx.
    • Includes pharyngeal, palatine, and lingual tonsils.
    • Function: Protect against invasion of foreign substances in nasal and oral cavities.

    Bone Marrow

    • Soft, flexible tissue inside bones.
    • Responsible for the production of blood cells (RBCs, WBCs, and platelets).
    • Bone marrow stem cells play a vital role in immunity by generating lymphocytes.

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