Lymphatic System Study Guide

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system, including lymph nodes, lymphatic trunks, ducts, lymphoid organs, and various immunoglobulins.

Lymph nodes

Small, bean-shaped organs located along lymphatic vessels that filter lymph before it returns to the bloodstream.

Cervical, Axillary, inguinal

The three regions of the body where lymph node aggregation occurs.

Hilum (hilus)

The specific location where efferent lymphatics exit the lymph node.

Afferent lymphatic vessels

Vessels that carry lymph into a lymph node to be filtered before leaving through efferent vessels.

Lymphatic sinuses

The spaces within a lymph node through which lymph flows.

Lymphatic trunks

Larger vessels formed by the union of efferent lymphatic vessels.

Lumbar trunk

The lymphatic trunk responsible for draining the lower limbs, pelvis, and abdominal wall.

Bronchomediastinal trunk

The lymphatic trunk that drains the thoracic (chest) organs, including the lungs and heart.

Jugular trunk

The lymphatic trunk that drains the head and neck.

Thoracic duct

The largest lymphatic vessel in the body, often referred to as the main lymphatic duct.

Left subclavian vein

The vessel into which the thoracic duct empties its lymph, specifically at its junction with the left jugular vein.

Thymus gland

A bilobed mass of tissue located in the mediastinum along the trachea behind the sternum.

Peyer's patches

Tissues that resemble tonsils and are located in the wall of the small intestine.

Mucous membranes

The tissues of the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and reproductive tracts where the majority of lymphoid tissue is located.

Plasma cells

Cells developed from B lymphocytes (B cells) that are responsible for producing antibodies.

Immunoglobulin G (IgG)

An antibody found in tissue fluids and plasma that is small enough to cross the placenta.

Immunoglobulin A (IgA)

An antibody found in mucous membranes that targets bacteria and viral agents in the respiratory tract.

Immunoglobulin M (IgM)

The largest and first type of antibody produced in the blood as a response to bacteria or antigens in food.

Immunoglobulin D (IgD)

An antibody found on the surface of B lymphocytes that is important in B cell activation.

Immunoglobulin E (IgE)

An antibody found mostly in interstitial fluid that is associated with allergic reactions.

T-cells

Cells that bind with specific antigens presented by macrophages.

Killer (cytotoxic) T-cells

Cells that release lymphokines and assist B cells in fighting invading pathogens.

Interleukin-2

A substance that stimulates the growth, activation, and multiplication of T lymphocytes to strengthen the immune response.

-oma

The medical suffix denoting a tumor.

neo-

The medical prefix meaning new.

Axillary

The anatomical term for the area commonly called the armpit or underarm.