Lymphatic System Overview

Questions and Answers

What type of muscle is primarily responsible for the milking action of the root of the tongue?

Cardiac muscle

Skeletal muscle (correct)

Smooth muscle

Striated muscle

Which main function is associated with the rhythmic contraction of smooth muscle walls in vessels?

Milking action

Voluntary movements

Breathing movements (correct)

Digestive processes

What anatomical feature surrounds the openings of the auditory tubes into the pharynx?

Pharyngeal tonsils

Tubal tonsils (correct)

Palatine tonsils

Lingual tonsils

Which set of tonsils is NOT mentioned as one of the three main sets?

Tubal tonsils Signup and view all the answers

What action does the skeletal muscle perform in relation to the root of the tongue?

Milking action Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between the tonsils and the auditory tubes?

The tonsils surround the openings of the tubes Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of lymphangioma circumscriptum?

It appears as a cluster of small firm blisters filled with lymph fluid. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the development of cavernous lymphangiomas?

Failure of initial jugular lymphatic sacs to develop proper connections. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following treatments is NOT mentioned for managing lymphangiomas?

Radiation therapy Signup and view all the answers

How does the lymphatic system primarily differ from the circulatory system?

The lymphatic system is a one-way system, unlike the circulatory system. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of lymphoid tissue in the body?

Surveillance of the immune defense system Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following components is absent in lymphatic capillaries?

Presence in blood supply Signup and view all the answers

What function does the lymphatic system serve in the body?

It helps maintain fluid balance and protects from pathogens. Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate amount of interstitial fluid that the lymphatic system returns to the blood daily?

2-4 liters Signup and view all the answers

What type of white blood cells are primarily produced in lymphatic tissue rather than bone marrow?

B lymphocytes and T lymphocytes Signup and view all the answers

Which area is least likely to be associated with lymphangioma circumscriptum?

Lower back Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate size range of lymphatic capillaries?

30 – 80 um Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of lymphatic endothelial cells helps to anchor them to surrounding tissues?

Anchoring filaments Signup and view all the answers

In the lymphatic system, what is lymph primarily composed of?

Excess interstitial fluid and proteins Signup and view all the answers

Which feature describes the appearance of lymph after a meal?

Milky due to lipids Signup and view all the answers

What outcome results from the failure of proper connections in the lymphatic system?

Development of focal lymph cysts. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a main role of white blood cells in the body?

Body defense against pathogens Signup and view all the answers

What component is generally missing from lymphatic capillaries?

Muscle fibers Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the body contains no lymphatic capillaries?

Central nervous system Signup and view all the answers

How much of the impurities does reticular cells in lymph nodes typically remove?

99% Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the tonsils?

To form a protective barrier against pathogens Signup and view all the answers

Which epithelium type covers the lymphoid tissue of the tonsils?

Pseudostratified columnar epithelium Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of the tonsils?

They contain crypts that often harbor debris. Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates palatine tonsils from other tonsil types?

They are the largest and most commonly infected. Signup and view all the answers

What is the lymphatic flow pathway leading to the circulatory system?

Lymph > afferent > lymph node > efferent > lymphatic duct > circulatory system Signup and view all the answers

What is the nature of the lymphatic system?

It is a passive system functioning without a pump. Signup and view all the answers

Where are the pharyngeal tonsils located?

On the posterior wall of the nasopharynx Signup and view all the answers

What causes tonsillitis most commonly?

Bacterial infections with a focus on Streptococcus Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the pressure gradient in the lymphatic system?

It is above 60 mmHg. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the right lymphatic duct?

To collect lymph from the right upper quadrant Signup and view all the answers

Which lymphatic trunk does NOT drain into the thoracic duct?

Right subclavian trunk Signup and view all the answers

At which level does the thoracic duct cross to the left side of the body?

T5 Signup and view all the answers

Where does the right lymphatic duct empty lymph?

Right subclavian vein Signup and view all the answers

What region does the thoracic duct primarily drain?

Left side of the head and neck Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the relative size of the right lymphatic duct compared to the thoracic duct?

The right lymphatic duct is much shorter than the thoracic duct Signup and view all the answers

Which lymphatic trunk does NOT contribute to the collection of lymph for the right lymphatic duct?

Left jugular trunk Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary drainage route for the thoracic duct?

Drains into the left subclavian vein Signup and view all the answers

What does the thoracic duct primarily drain?

Lymph from both sides of the head and neck Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lymphangioma Circumscripta

Microcytic lymphatic malformation; appears as clusters of small, firm blisters filled with lymph fluid.
Commonly found on the neck, underarm, and tongue.
Management options include surgical excision, radiation therapy, sclerotherapy, and the use of OK-432.

Overview of the Lymphatic System

Comprising tissues, organs, and vessels, the lymphatic system maintains the body’s fluid balance and protects against pathogens.
Functions similarly to the circulatory system but is a one-way system; lymph does not circulate in loops like blood.
Collects interstitial fluid (2-4 liters/day) from tissues and delivers it to the bloodstream.

Hemopoiesis

Reticular cells in lymphatic nodes remove approximately 99% of impurities.
Certain white blood cells (lymphocytes, monocytes) are produced in lymphatic tissue rather than bone marrow.

Body Defense and Immunity

Lymphoid tissue is integral to the immune system, offering diffuse surveillance across body tissues and organs.
Primary role of white blood cells is defense against pathogens and damaged cells.

Lymph

Clear, straw-colored fluid with less protein than plasma; appears milky after meals due to lipids.
Two major lymphatic ducts exist:
- Thoracic duct (left) collects lymph from various left-sided trunks (bronchomediastinal, subclavian, jugular) and drains into the left subclavian vein.
- Right lymphatic duct drains lymph from the right side of the head, neck, upper limb, and thorax.

Tonsils

Masses of lymphoidal tissue found in the pharynx, covered by epithelial crypts that capture bacteria and debris.
Form a protective ring known as Waldeyer’s ring, with three main sets:
- Pharyngeal (adenoids): located behind the nasal cavity.
- Palatine: largest and most commonly infected.
- Lingual: found at the root of the tongue.

Lymph Flow

Follows the pathway: lymph > afferent lymphatic vessels > lymph node > efferent lymphatic vessels > lymphatic duct > circulatory system.
Operates under a pressure gradient above 60 mmHg; is a passive system without a central pump.
Lymph moves toward the heart through accumulation of proteins, skeletal muscle action, breathing movements, and smooth muscle contractions.

Structural Features of Lymphatic Capillaries

High porosity enables interstitial fluid uptake.
Very small tight junctions between endothelial cells create a selective permeability barrier.
Anchoring filaments secure lymphatic endothelial cells to surrounding tissues.

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Description

Explore the characteristics and types of lymphatic malformations, focusing on Lymphangioma Circumscriptum and Cavernous Lymphangiomas. This quiz provides insights into their appearances, common locations, and underlying causes in the lymphatic system.