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Questions and Answers
1 Define ‘lymph’.
Answer: The colourless liquid that circulates through the lymphatic vessels to be returned to the blood.
3 List the functions of the lymphatic system.
Answer: The main function of the lymphatic system is to collect some of the escaped fluid from the blood capillaries and return it to the circulatory system to prevent swelling (edema). It also filters the lymph to aid in the body’s internal defence against pathogens. It also absorbs fats from intestinal tracts and returns it to bloodstream.
4 Describe the role of lymph nodes in protecting the body against foreign bodies.
Answer: Lymph nodes contain lymphoid tissue made up of macrophages, lymphocytes and plasma cells. There is also a crisscross network of fibres. When lymph enters these nodes, large particles will become trapped in the mesh and are then consumed by macrophages by phagocytosis. Lymphocytes and plasma cells will detect any pathogenic organism and produce chemicals to destroy the pathogen. (Unit 3 content)
5 Discuss the importance of valves in lymph vessels.
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6 Doctors will check the size of lymph nodes in sick patients. Explain why this is an important part of the physical examination.
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7 Compare and contrast lymph vessels and blood vessels.
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Fluid from the blood capillaries is filtered out into the surrounding tissues, forming ______ fluid.
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Some of the interstitial fluid is absorbed directly back into the blood capillaries, but the excess fluid enters the ______ capillaries to become lymph.
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The lymphatic capillaries have specialized endothelial cells that allow them to take up fluid ______.
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Lymph is transported through a network of vessels, passing through ______ nodes where it is filtered and cleansed.
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Eventually, the lymphatic vessels merge to form larger lymphatic trunks, which drain into one of two main lymphatic ducts: the thoracic duct or the right lymphatic ______.
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The lymphatic system helps maintain fluid balance by returning excess interstitial fluid back into the ______.
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Lymph contains white blood cells (particularly lymphocytes) and antibodies, which play a crucial role in the body's ______ response.
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Lymph nodes filter and trap pathogens, foreign particles, and abnormal cells, initiating an immune response to defend against infections and ______.
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The lymphatic ducts empty the lymph back into the bloodstream by connecting to the ______ veins in the upper chest.
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Lymphatic vessels in the intestines absorb dietary fats and fat-soluble vitamins from the digestive tract and transport them to the ______
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Valves in lymphatic vessels are essential for maintaining the unidirectional flow of lymph towards the lymph nodes and back into the ______
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Without valves, lymphatic fluid could stagnate or flow in the wrong direction, hindering the proper functioning of the ______ system
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Blood vessels carry blood, which contains red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma, while lymphatic vessels carry ______, a clear fluid containing white blood cells, proteins, fats, and cellular debris
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Blood vessels primarily transport oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout the body, while lymphatic vessels primarily transport interstitial fluid, immune cells, fats, and proteins, and also play a crucial role in immune ______
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Blood vessels form a closed circulatory system with arteries, veins, and capillaries, while lymphatic vessels form an open-ended network that drains into lymph nodes and eventually returns lymph to the ______
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Blood vessels have a unidirectional flow of blood from the heart to the tissues and back to the heart, whereas lymphatic vessels have a unidirectional flow of lymph towards the lymph nodes and eventually back into the ______
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Lymphatic vessels transport immune cells, fats, cellular waste products, and proteins throughout the ______
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Blood vessels carry red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma, while lymphatic vessels carry a clear fluid containing white blood cells, proteins, fats, and ______ debris
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Lymphatic vessels play a crucial role in immune ______
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What are the components found in the interstitial fluid that forms from the blood capillaries?
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What is the main role of lymph nodes in the lymphatic system?
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Where does the lymphatic duct empty the lymph back into the bloodstream?
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What is the function of valves in lymphatic vessels?
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What key role do lymphocytes and antibodies play in the body?
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Explain the process by which lymph is formed in the lymphatic system.
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How do lymphatic vessels contribute to maintaining fluid balance in the body?
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What is the main function of the thoracic duct and the right lymphatic duct in the lymphatic system?
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Why are valves important in lymphatic vessels?
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Explain the role of lymphatic vessels in fat absorption from the intestines.
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What is the primary function of blood vessels compared to lymphatic vessels?
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Describe the composition of lymph compared to blood.
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Why are valves in lymphatic vessels crucial for the lymphatic system?
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Differentiate between the structure of blood vessels and lymphatic vessels.
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Explain the direction of flow in blood vessels and lymphatic vessels.
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What is the main function of lymph nodes in the lymphatic system?
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Explain how lymphatic vessels contribute to immune defense.
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Why do doctors check the size of lymph nodes in sick patients during physical examinations?
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Discuss the importance of lymph in maintaining fluid balance in the body.
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Lymph nodes can range in length between:
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What is the role of macrophages in lymph nodes?
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How long does it typically take for macrophages to kill most bacteria ingested in lymph nodes?
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How do lymph nodes respond when infections occur?
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Where are lymph nodes most numerous in the body?
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What cells are found within the lymphoid tissue of lymph nodes?
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What surrounds each lymph node, forming a framework?
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Describe the composition of lymph nodes.
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What type of network of fibres is found between the cells of lymphoid tissue?
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Explain the process of phagocytosis by macrophages in lymph nodes.
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Why does an infected finger result in swelling and tenderness in the armpit?
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How is lymph able to move through the lymph vessel?
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The network of lymph vessels joins to form what?
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What happens to the plasma that leaves the blood vessels and travels into the body tissues?
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How do the lymph vessels prevent back flow?
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what happens to the waste products and destroyed bacteria after being filtered by the lymph nodes?
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What organs are part of the lymphatic system?
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Why is exercise important for maintaining healthy lymphatic system function?
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What can go wrong with the lymphatic system?
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What does much of your lymph start off as?
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How does the lymphatic system scan for pathogens and initiate an immune response?
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What is the role of the spleen in the lymphatic system?
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What are the roles of the thymus and bone marrow in the lymphatic system?
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How does the lymphatic system prevent swelling?
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Study Notes
Fluid Movement from Blood Capillaries to Lymphatic Vessels
- Fluid from blood capillaries filters out into surrounding tissues, forming interstitial fluid containing water, dissolved substances, and small proteins.
- Excess interstitial fluid, along with large proteins and cellular debris, enters lymphatic capillaries to become lymph.
- Lymphatic capillaries have specialized endothelial cells that allow them to take up fluid easily.
- Lymph is transported through a network of vessels, passing through lymph nodes where it is filtered and cleansed.
- Lymphatic vessels merge to form larger lymphatic trunks, which drain into one of two main lymphatic ducts: thoracic duct or right lymphatic duct.
- These ducts empty lymph back into the bloodstream by connecting to subclavian veins in the upper chest.
Functions of the Lymphatic System
- Fluid Balance: Lymphatic system helps maintain fluid balance by returning excess interstitial fluid back into the bloodstream.
- Immune Response: Lymph contains white blood cells (particularly lymphocytes) and antibodies, playing a crucial role in the body's immune response.
- Fat Absorption: Lymphatic vessels in the intestines absorb dietary fats and fat-soluble vitamins (such as vitamins A, D, E, and K) from the digestive tract and transport them to the bloodstream.
- Transportation: Lymphatic system transports immune cells, fats, cellular waste products, and proteins throughout the body.
Comparison and Contrast of Lymph Vessels and Blood Vessels
- Composition: Blood vessels carry blood containing red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma, while lymphatic vessels carry lymph, a clear fluid containing white blood cells, proteins, fats, and cellular debris.
- Function: Blood vessels primarily transport oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout the body, while lymphatic vessels primarily transport interstitial fluid, immune cells, fats, and proteins, and also play a crucial role in immune defense.
- Structure: Blood vessels form a closed circulatory system with arteries, veins, and capillaries, while lymphatic vessels form an open-ended network that drains into lymph nodes and eventually returns lymph to the bloodstream.
- Direction of Flow: Blood vessels have a unidirectional flow of blood from the heart to the tissues and back to the heart, whereas lymphatic vessels have a unidirectional flow of lymph towards the lymph nodes and eventually back into the bloodstream.
Importance of Valves in Lymph Vessels
- Valves in lymphatic vessels are essential for maintaining the unidirectional flow of lymph towards the lymph nodes and back into the bloodstream.
- These valves prevent the backward flow of lymph, ensuring efficient transport.
Lymph Nodes
- Lymph nodes filter and trap pathogens, foreign particles, and abnormal cells, initiating an immune response to defend against infections and diseases.
- Lymph nodes are bean-shaped, ranging in length from 1 mm to 25 mm, and contain masses of lymphoid tissue.
- Within the lymphoid tissue are cells known as lymphocytes, macrophages, and plasma cells.
- Spaces between the cells of the lymphoid tissue are criss-crossed by a network of fibres.
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