The Lymphatic System

Flashcards about the lymphatic system, covering vessels, fluid, nodes, and related concepts.

What are the three main parts of the lymphatic system?

Vessels, fluid (lymph), and nodes (lymph nodes).

What are the four types of lymphatic vessels?

Lymphatic capillaries, lymphatic vessels (collecting), lymphatic trunks, and lymphatic ducts.

What is the mnemonic to remember the order of vessels?

Creepy bands, terrible drivers (Capillaries, Vessels, Trunks, Ducts).

What is the special structure of lymphatic capillaries that prevent leakage?

They have endothelial cells that overlap like shingles with filaments that act like a trapdoor, allowing fluid to enter but not exit.

What is lymph?

Fluid that has entered the lymphatic capillaries, similar to plasma but with fewer large proteins.

How does lymph move through the lymphatic collecting vessels?

Skeletal muscle contraction, breathing, valves in vessels, and smooth muscle vasoconstriction.

What are lymph nodes?

Areas of lymphatic tissue clustered along the routes of lymphatic vessels.

What is the function of lymph nodes?

To clean the lymph fluid.

What are the afferent and efferent lymphatic vessels?

Afferent lymphatic vessels bring fluid in, and efferent lymphatic vessels allow fluid to exit.

What cells are found in lymph nodes?

Macrophages, T cells, and B cells.

What is MALT?

Mucosa-associated lymphatic tissue. Special areas of lymphatic tissue associated with mucosa in the body.

What are some examples of MALT?

Tonsils, Peyer's patches, and the appendix.