Anatomy 2 > lymphatic system > Flashcards

lymphatic system Flashcards

(97 cards)

Study These Flashcards
1
Q

What are the three main components of the lymphatic system?

A

Lymphatic vessels, lymphatic organs, and lymph nodes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is lymph?

A

Clear fluid that arises from filtration of blood from arterial part of capillaries into interstitial spaces

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What happens to filtered blood in interstitial spaces?

A

Majority is directly reabsorbed into blood vessels; remaining is left in interstitial space, collected by lymphatics and redirected into venous system

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Where does lymph collected by lymphatic vessels drain?

A

Into the vena cava superior

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Lymphatic System: Function related to small intestine

A

Absorb fat from small intestine into lymphatic lacteals

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Lymphatic System: Function related to tissue fluid

A

Drain excess tissue fluid, hormones, and plasma proteins and return them to circulatory system (not all fluid returns to bloodstream - extra enters lymphatic vessels)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Lymphatic System: Function related to immune response

A

Protect body against infection by activating defense mechanism; responds to eliminate pathogens from body

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is the role of lymphocytes in the lymphatic system?

A

Production, maintenance, and distribution of lymphocytes that provide defense against infections (pathogens), abnormal body cells, and foreign proteins

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Where are protective cells of the lymphatic system found?

A

Throughout bloodstream, in lymphatic organs, and can migrate into tissues

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What are the alternative names for the lymphatic system?

A

Lymphoid system or Immune system

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What are the components of the lymphatic system network?

A

Lymphatic capillaries, Lymphatic vessels, Primary and secondary lymphoid organs including lymph nodes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Where does the lymphatic system begin?

A

In the periphery of the body with lymphatic capillaries that collect lymph

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What do lymphatic capillaries give during their course?

A

Bigger lymphatic vessels

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What are the two large lymphatic trunks that lymph flows into?

A

Thoracic duct (on left) and Right lymphatic duct (on right)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

List the 5 components of the Lymphatic System

A

1) Lymph 2) Lymphocytes 3) Lymphatic vessels 4) Lymphoid organs 5) Lymph nodes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What is lymph in relation to tissue fluid?

A

Tissue fluid that has entered the lymphatic vessels (excess tissue fluid)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What are the two functions of lymph?

A

1) Transports proteins and other molecules to bloodstream 2) Moves foreign particles to lymph nodes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What is the normal appearance of lymph?

A

Usually clear, colorless fluid, similar to blood plasma but low in protein

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

How does composition of lymph vary?

A

Varies from place to place; after a meal, lymph from small intestine has milky appearance due to lipid content

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What may lymph contain?

A

Macrophages, viruses, bacteria, cellular debris, and even traveling cancer cells

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What are the two broad categories of lymphatic structures?

A

A. Lymphatic vessels B. Lymphoid tissues/organs

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What are the primary (central) lymphoid organs?

A

Bone marrow and thymus

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What are the secondary (peripheral) lymphoid organs?

A

Lymph nodes, spleen, mucosal (MALT)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

How are lymphatic vessels similar to veins?

A

Similar structure - thin with valves

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
How are lymphatic vessels different from veins?
They are a 'one-way street' - originate as capillaries in tissues, end at veins
26
What are the two properties of lymphatic vessel system?
1) One way system toward heart 2) No pump
27
How does lymph move toward the heart? (2 mechanisms)
1) Milking action of skeletal muscle 2) Rhythmic contraction of smooth muscle in vessel walls
28
Where are lymphatic capillaries present?
In connective tissue of majority of organs
29
Do lymphatic capillaries have valves?
No valves
30
How do lymphatic capillaries compare in size to arterial capillaries?
Larger than arterial capillaries with irregular shape
31
Where are lymphatic capillaries plenty?
In skin, mucosal and submucosal tissue
32
What structure lacks lymphatic vessels?
Central nervous system
33
How do lymphatic capillary walls function?
Walls overlap to form flap-like minivalves; fluid leaks into lymph capillaries; higher pressure inside closes minivalves
34
How are lymphatic capillaries anchored?
Anchored to connective tissue by filaments
35
In what tissues are lymphatic capillaries present?
Almost every tissue in the body
36
List 3 ways lymphatic capillaries differ from blood capillaries
1) Originate as pockets, not continuous tubes 2) Have larger diameters, thinner walls 3) Endothelial cells overlap
37
What do lymphatic vessels represent?
Continuation of lymphatic capillaries
38
What do larger lymphatic vessels contain?
Valves for normal lymph flow towards lymph nodes
39
Where does lymph ultimately flow?
Into thoracic duct on left and right lymphatic duct on right
40
What is the shape of lymphatic vessels?
Irregular (stenosis and dilatations)
41
Thoracic duct: What does it convey?
Lymph from entire lower half of body, as well as regions on upper left side of body
42
Right lymphatic duct: What does it drain?
Lymph from regions of upper right side of body
43
Right lymphatic duct: Where does it open?
Into right venous angle
44
Right lymphatic duct: What 3 lymphatic trunks form it?
1) Right broncomediastinal 2) Right subclavian trunk 3) Right jugular trunk
45
Lymph Node: Function
Important lymphocytes of immune response are matured here
46
Spleen: Functions
Destroys RBCs; Reservoir of blood; Largest lymph organ; Filters blood of bacteria and antigen-filled cells
47
Thymus Gland: Functions
Produces hormone thymosin; Functions in programming lymphocytes T and B cells; T-cells matured here (become immunocompetent)
48
Tonsils: Function
Traps bacteria and other microbes in throat
49
Peyer's Patch: Function
Capture and destroy bacteria in intestine, thereby preventing them from penetrating intestinal wall
50
Lymph Nodes: Location
Located along lymphatic pathways; absent in central nervous system
51
Lymph Nodes: Two functions
1) Filter/remove potentially harmful particles before they enter bloodstream 2) Immune surveillance (monitoring of fluids by immune cells)
52
What do lymph nodes do to germ-filled lymph?
Take germ-filled lymph and filter it before returning to blood
53
What are the two defense cells within lymph nodes?
1) Macrophages (engulf and destroy foreign substances) 2) Lymphocytes (provide immune response to antigens)
54
Lymph Nodes: Size range
Small lymphoid organs 1mm-25mm
55
Where are lymph nodes most concentrated?
Neck, armpits, groin
56
How do lymph nodes function like a kitchen water filter?
Purifies lymph before it enters veins; Macrophages in lymphatic sinuses engulf foreign bodies like antigens which are presented to lymphocytes
57
Spleen: Appearance and weight
Soft, bluish-red organ, shape of coffee-bean, weighing 150-200 grams
58
Spleen: Location
Left hypochondriac region below diaphragm, lies lateral to stomach on left at level of 9th to 11th ribs
59
Spleen: Lymphoid tissue content
Contains largest amount of lymphoid tissue in body
60
Spleen: Size and color
Red, 12 cm long
61
Spleen: Red pulp composition
Large amount of blood
62
Spleen: White pulp composition
Made up of lymphoid nodules
63
Spleen: Marginal zone composition
Contains less densely packed cells (mainly B-lymphocytes)
64
Spleen: Analogy
Like a highly patrolled security checkpoint area
65
Spleen: Production capability in bone marrow deficiency
Can produce more granulocytes and erythrocytes
66
Spleen: Red pulp function
Site of red blood cell disposal (majority of spleen)
67
Spleen: White pulp functions
Houses lymphocytes; Site of antigen presentation
68
Spleen: Function - filtering
Filters blood of bacteria, viruses and other debris
69
Spleen: Function - RBC breakdown
Destroys worn out blood cells and returns/recycles breakdown products (e.g., Fe) to liver so more RBCs can be made
70
Spleen: What happens to unusable portion of worn-out blood?
Excreted in bile
71
Spleen: Storage and reservoir functions
Stores platelets and acts as blood reservoir
72
Spleen: Cell production
Lymphocytes are produced; RBCs also made in fetus only
73
Thymus: What is it the principal organ for?
Principal lymphoid organ of T-cell system
74
Thymus: When is it especially well developed?
In the child
75
Thymus: Status in adult
Present only as functional thymic remnant
76
Thymus: Location
Behind sternum; larger in children
77
Thymus: Structure
Contains lobules (2mm) with cortex and medulla
78
Thymus: What happens to lymphocytes in cortex?
Dividing
79
Thymus: T cell maturation process
As T cells mature they migrate into medulla and tend to leave after 3 weeks
80
Thymus: Hormonal function
Hormones from this gland promote maturation of lymphocytes
81
Bone Marrow: Where are blood cells primarily produced after birth?
In red bone marrow
82
Bone Marrow: Where do lymphocytes multiply?
In lymphoid organs (thymus, lymph nodes, spleen)
83
Bone Marrow: Location
Fills cavities of long bones and spaces of spongy bones
84
Bone Marrow: Adult composition
One half is red bone marrow, other half is yellow marrow (fatty marrow)
85
MALT: What does it stand for?
Mucosa Associated Lymphatic Tissue
86
MALT: Definition
Lymphatic tissue in mucosal membranes throughout body
87
MALT: What cells does it contain?
T cells, B cells, and macrophages
88
MALT: Function
Can encounter antigens passing through mucous membranes
89
MALT: Locations in body
Lungs, digestive tract, nasopharynx, skin, breast, salivary glands
90
Cells of Immune System: Two broad groups
1) Myeloid (macrophage, mast cells, granulocytes, dendritic cells) 2) Lymphoid (natural killer cells, B and T lymphocytes)
91
Myeloid cells: What immune system are they mostly in?
Innate immune system(quick,non-specific)
92
Lymphoid cells: What immune system?
Adaptive immune system(slower, specific)
93
What is the Immune System responsible for?
Surveillance and destruction of non-self
94
What is edema?
Excess accumulation of fluids in tissue spaces
95
What can edema retard?
Normal exchange of nutrients and metabolites
96
LYMPHEDEMA: What can cause it? (4 factors)
Increased capillary pressure, decreased plasma protein, increased capillary permeability, or lymphatic blockage
97
LYMPHEDEMA: Result
Swelling and congestion of extravascular compartment
Anatomy 2
flashcards
Decks in class (30)
# Cards
Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2026 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions