The Lymphatic System Study Guide

Question 1

overall function of the lymphatic system

Answer 1

Returns the fluid leaked from the blood vessels back to the blood

Question 2

Because lymphatic vessels are _________ than blood vessels, they can be used as a route of transportation for pathogens and cancer cells.

Answer 2

more permeable

Question 3

2 largest lymphatic ducts and the parts of the body that they drain

Answer 3

• Right lymphatic duct: drains right upper extremity and right side of the head/thorax
• Thoracic duct drains rest of the body

Question 4

2 functions of lymph nodes

Answer 4

• Cleansing lymph/acting as lymph filters
  — Macrophages remove/destroy microorganisms and debris
• Immune system activation
  — Offers a place for lymphocytes to become activated and mount an attack against antigens

Question 5

The tonsils, Peyer’s patches, and the appendix are all examples of __________________________________

Answer 5

MALT (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue) – a set of distributed lymphoid tissues in the body’s mucous membranes that protect against pathogens trying to enter body

Question 6

tonsils

Answer 6

gather and remove pathogens in food or air. Because tonsils are not fully encapsulated, there are tonsillar crypts which trap bacteria and destroys it (creates immune memory, too) (pharynx)

Question 7

Peyer’s patches

Answer 7

destroy bacteria, prevent it from breaching the intestinal wall, generate memory lymphocytes (small intestine)

Question 8

Appendix

Answer 8

destroys bacteria, prevents it from breaching the intestinal wall, generate memory lymphocytes (large intestine)