Lymphatic System-tutorial 3

Question 1

Describe the three functions of the lymphatic system

Answer 1

1. Drain excess interstitial fluid from tissue spaces and return it to the blood
2. Transport lipids and lipid soluble vitamins from the villi in the small intestine to the blood
3. As part of the immune system destroys microbes and cancerous or foreign particles

Question 2

Name the cells of lymph nodes and describe their role / function in the nodes

Answer 2

• B cells (lymphocyte): Mature in the bone marrow (hence called B cells), the function of lymphocytes in the nodes is to stimulate immune responses
• T cells (lymphocyte): Mature in the thymus (hence called T cells), the function of lymphocytes in the nodes is to stimulate immune responses
• Macrophages (phagocyte): The function of the macrophages in the nodes is to destroy foreign substances through phagocytosis

Question 3

Name three areas of lymphatic nodules

Answer 3

• Peyer’s patches in the ileum of the small intestine
• Appendix contains lymph tissue destroys bacteria
• Tonsils form ring at top of throat

Question 4

Describe the anatomical position of the spleen

Answer 4

Located in left hypochondriac region, between stomach and diaphragm

Question 5

State three functions of the spleen

Answer 5

1. Remove damaged blood cells and platelets
2. Store platelets (1/3 of the body’s supply)
3. Stores red blood cells (250ml in adult)
4. Production of blood cells during foetal life
5. Performs immune functions as per lymph nodes

Question 6

Describe the differences between cancerous nodes and infected nodes

Answer 6

Cancerous lymph nodes - firm, enlarged, non-tender and fixed to underlying structures

Infected lymph nodes - softer, enlarged, very tender and movable