VTCT Lymphatic System

What is lymph?

LEIF is a clear, colourless fluid deride from tissue fluid and carried in lymphatic vessels.

How is lymph formed from tissue fluid as part of subsidiary circulation?

Lymph forms when plasma leaves blood capillaries, becomes tissue fluid, and excess fluid enters blind-ended lymphatic capillaries; the secondary pathway is subsidiary circulation.

What are lymphatic capillaries and what do they collect?

Lymphatic capillaries are tiny blind-ended vessels that collect excess tissue fluid, plasma proteins, nutrients, cell debris and foreign materials such as microorganisms.

How do you lymphatic vessels move lymph towards the bloodstream?

Lymphatic vessels move lymph one way using valves, muscle contraction, pressure changes, breathing movements, arterial pulses and the muscular walls of larger lymph vessels.

What is the main role of lymph nodes?

Lymph nodes filter lymph and support immune responses by trapping pathogens and containing immune cells such as lymphocytes and macrophages

What are lymphatic trunks?

Lymphatic trunks are larger lymph vessels formed when smaller lymphatic vessels joined together.

What are lymphatic ducts?

Lymphatic ducts are the largest lymph vessel; the main ducts are the thoracic duct and the right lymphatic duct.

What areas does the thoracic duct drain and where does it empty?

The thoracic duct drained most of the body, including both legs, the abdomen, the left side of the chest, the left arm and the left side of the head and neck; it empties into the left subclavian vein.

What areas does the right lymphatic duct drain and where does it empty?

The right lymphatic duct drains the right side of the head and neck, the right arm and the right side of the chest; it empties into the right subclavian vein.

What is the role of the subclavian veins in lymph drainage?

The subclavian veins receive lymph from the lymphatic ducts and return it to the blood circulation

Where are axillary nodes found and what do they drain?

Axillary nodes are found in the armpit and drain limp from the upper limb and most of the breast..

Where are superficial and deep cervical nodes found and what do they drain?

Superficial and deep cervical nodes are found in the neck and drain lymph from the head and neck.

Where are inguinal nodes found and what do they drain?

Inguinal nodes are found in the groin and drain lymph from the lower limb and nearby lower body regions.

What do intestinal nodes do?

Intestinal nodes filter lymph from the digestive tract and help drain lymph from the intestines.

Where are occipital nodes found and what do they drain?

Occipital nodes are found at the base/back of the skull and drain lymph from the back of the head.

Where are popliteal nodes found and what do they drain?

Popliteal nodes are found behind the knee and drain lymph from the lower limb.

Where are post-auricular nodes found and what do they drain?

Post-auricular nodes are found behind the ear drain lymph from the area around the ear.

Where are parotid nodes found and what do they drain?

Parotid nodes are found near the side of the face and in front of the ear and drain limp from parts of the face and ear region.

Where are supratrochlear nodes found and what do they drain?

Supratrochlear are found near the elbow and drain lymph from the upper limb towards the celery nodes.

What is the appendix and how may it support immunity?

The appendix is a small pouch attached to the caecum, it contains lymphatic tissue and may support gut immunity and beneficial gut bacteria.

What are payers patches and where they found?

Payer’s patches are a small areas of lymphatic tissue in the ilium of the small intestine that monitor intestinal contents and support gut immune responses.

What are the main roles of the spleen?

The spleen filters blood, removes old red blood cells, stores iron, supports lymphocyte and antibody production, and helps protect against infection.

How do the tonsils help protect the body?

The tonsils help protect the body by trapping germs entering through the mouth or nose and supporting antibody production.

What is the role of the thymus?

The thymus helps T-lymphocytes develop and mature, especially during childhood.

State the main functions of the lymphatic system

Subsidiary circulation/lymph formation, immunity, defence against pathogens, return of lost plasma proteins to the blood, maintenance of body fluid balance, transport of dietary lipids and absorption of fats via lactose.

How does the lymphatic system support immunity in defence against harmful pathogens?

The lymphatic system supports immunity by filtering lymph through nodes, producing and supporting lymphocytes, and helping destroy harmful pathogens.

How does the lymphatic system return lost plasma proteins and maintain body fluid balance?

it returns lead plasma proteins and excess tissue fluid to the blood, helping maintain the correct balance of body fluids and reducing swelling.

How does the lymphatic system transport dietary lipids and absorb fats using lacteals?

lacteals in the small intestine, absorbed digested fats and transport dietary lipids in lymph before they enter the bloodstream.

Describe a oedema, Hodgkins lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and lupus

Oedema is swelling caused by fluid buildup. Hodgkins lymphoma is a lymphoma often involving abnormal lymphocytes and swollen nodes. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a group of lymphocyte cancers that may be slow or fast growing. Lupus is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks body tissues.

Describe cellulite, glandular fever and lymphadenitis

Cellulite is a dimple appearance of subcutaneous fat and connective tissue. Glandular fever is a viral illness, usually called by Epstein virus, that can cause swollen glands. Lymphadenitis is an inflammation or infection of the lymph nodes.