Lymphatic System: Vessels, Functions, and Key Organs

What are the vessels within the lymphatic system called?

Lymphatic vessels.

Explain the functions of the lymphatic system.

The lymphatic system functions to return leaked plasma to the cardiovascular system, absorb digested fats, and activate the immune system.

Give a detailed description of lymphatic capillaries.

Lymphatic capillaries are blind-ended vessels that pick up excess interstitial fluid and are permeable to solutes and larger molecules.

The lymphatic capillaries in the intestines are called _____________.

Lacteals. They absorb digested fat and deliver fatty lymph called chyle to the blood.

Collecting lymphatic vessels merge together to form lymphatic _____________.

Trunks, which merge together to form lymphatic ducts.

List three of the five lymphatic trunks we covered in class.

Jugular trunk, subclavian trunk, and bronchomediastinal trunk.

The ____________ duct drains lymph from the right upper arm and right side of the head and thorax.

Right lymphatic duct. The thoracic duct drains lymph from the rest of the body.

List the three immune system cells found within the lymphatic system.

Lymphocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells.

The ____________ cells of the lymphatic system produce stroma in lymphoid organs.

Reticular cells.

__________ are the principal secondary lymphoid organs of the body.

Lymph nodes.

What is the largest lymphoid organ?

The spleen.

Within the spleen, where does immune system function occur?

In the white pulp.

What does the abbreviation MALT stand for?

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue.

List the three parts of MALT we covered in class.

Tonsils, Peyer's patches, and appendix.

List the three tonsils we covered in class.

Lingual tonsils, palatine tonsils, and pharyngeal (adenoid) tonsils.

Where are the Peyer's patches located?

In the lining of the ileum of the small intestine.

Where is the thymus located?

Deep to the manubrium of the sternum, superficial to the aortic arch, and superior to the heart.

Define Lymphangitis.

Lymphangitis is the inflammation of lymphatic vessels.

Define Lymphedema.

Lymphedema is localized swelling due to excess interstitial fluid.

Define Primary lymphoid organ.

Primary lymphoid organs are sites of lymphocyte development, such as bone marrow and thymus.

Define Secondary lymphoid organ.

Secondary lymphoid organs are sites of pathogen encounters and immune system activation, including lymph nodes and the spleen.

Define Buboes.

Buboes are swollen and inflamed lymph nodes.

Define Splenectomy.

Splenectomy is the surgical removal of the spleen.

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