Lymphatic System Chapter 21 and 22

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering the structures, functions, and disorders of the lymphatic system based on the lecture notes.

Lymphatic system

A component of the circulatory system that maintains fluid balance in the internal environment by returning lymph to the blood.

Interstitial fluid (IF)

Fluid that fills spaces between cells and has a lower protein concentration than lymph.

Edema

Massive swelling of the tissue caused by an increase in interstitial fluid.

Lymph

A clear, watery-appearing, isotonic fluid found in the lymphatic vessels derived from blood and tissue fluid.

Lymphatic vessels

Vessels with thinner walls than veins and more valves that act as drains to collect excess tissue fluid and return it to venous blood.

Lacteals

Specialized lymphatic vessels that absorb fats and other nutrients from the small intestine.

Lymphokinesis

The movement or flow of lymph through the lymphatic system.

Lymphatic pump

A mechanism driven by the pressure gradient of inspiration and skeletal muscle contractions that moves lymph through the system.

Mechanical filtration

A defense function of lymph nodes that stops particles from progressing further in the body.

Biological filtration

A defense function of lymph nodes that uses phagocytosis to destroy and remove particles.

Hematopoiesis

The final stages of maturation of lymphocytes occurring within lymphoid tissue.

Adenitis

An infection of a lymph node occurring when microorganisms enter the nodes in quantities larger than phagocytes can destroy.

Sentinel lymph node (SLN)

The first node to which cancer can spread from a primary tumor.

Palatine tonsils

Tonsils located on each side of the throat that protect against bacteria invading the nasal and oral cavities.

Thymus

A primary organ of the lymphatic system located in the mediastinum that secretes thymosin and serves as the final site of lymphocyte development before birth.

Thymosin

A regulator secreted by the thymus shortly after birth that helps lymphocytes develop into T cells.

Spleen

An organ located in the left hypochondrium that functions in defense, tissue repair, hematopoiesis, red blood cell/platelet destruction, and as a blood reservoir.

Lymphedema

An abnormal condition characterized by swelling of tissues in the extremities due to an obstruction of the lymphatics and accumulation of lymph.

Elephantitis

A condition resulting from severe blockage and edema where the affected extremities resemble an elephant’s limbs.

Lymphoma

Often malignant growths that usually originate in isolated lymph nodes but can involve lymphoid tissue in the liver, spleen, and gastrointestinal tract.

Filarial elephantitis

A medical condition also termed lymphatic filariasis caused by microscopic parasitic worms like B. timori, Wuchereria bancrofti, and Brugia malayi transmitted through mosquitoes.

Non-filarial elephantitis

A condition caused by persistent contact with irritant soil such as red clays rich in alkali metals or volcanic by-products like ash.