What makes up the lymphatic system
- Organs that produce lymph
- lymph nodes
- collecting ducts
Primary organs of the lymphatic system
- Bone marrow - make B lymphocytes
2. Thymus - make T lymphocytes
Secondary organs of the lymphatic system
- Tonsils
- spleen
- lymph nodes
- Peyer patches -located in abdomen
Function of the lymphatic system
- Conserving fluid and plasma that leak from capillaries
- defending against infection (filters the fluid)
- Absorbing lipids from intestine
- Undesirable pathway of the spread of cancer
Size of typical lymph node
1cm
Direction of lymphatic circulation
1 direction, from tissues to blood (venous return)
What are the only 2 places that lymph fluid returns to the blood stream
- RT subclavian vein
2. Thoracic duct (dumps into left subclavian vein)
What area of the body does the RT subclavian vein drain
Right upper portion of the body and rt arm(axillary, rt head/neck, rt arm)
What area of the body does the thoracic duct drain
Everything except the right side of the body
sequence of lymph drainage
Blood caps - interstitial fluid - lymph caps - lymph veins - lymph ducts - large veins
What do you look for during INSPECTION of the lymph nodes
- Color - erythema
- Skin breakdown
- Enlargement
3 regions of lymph node examination (PALPATION)
- Cervicofacial
- Thorax/axillary/upper extremity
- Inguinal
Cervicofacial nodes (8)
- Occipital
- Pre auricular
- post auricular
- tonsillar
- submandibular
- submental
- anterior cervial
- posterior cervical
Thorax/upper extremity nodes
- axillary
- supraclavicular
- infraclavicular
- epitrochlear
What does a noticeable sentinel node indicate
Virchow node (LT supraclavicular) indicates abd or thoracic problem
Why is it important to include the spleen on lymphatic exam
Because the spleen plays a major role in the immune system and has lymphatic nodules in lymphatic tissue. Issues with the spleen may indicate CA
Lymphadenopathy
Enlargement of lymph nodes
What does lymphadenopathy suggest
Localize =regional infection
Generalized = systemic inflammatory process or malignancy
lymphangitis
Inflammation of the lymphatic vessels (blood poisoning) Shows ups as red streaking along lymph vessel
Lymphadenitis
Inflammation of lymph node(s), Can result in breakdown of overlying tissue. Must accompany lymphadenopathy
Lymphedema
Swelling (subcu tissue) that results from obstruction of lymphatic vessel or node. Usually non-pitting
