Lymphatic System Overview

Vocabulary flashcards covering the basic concepts, functions, and terminology of the lymphatic system from the lecture notes.

Lymphatic System Analogy

A model comparing the body to a house, where blood vessels act as water pipes and the lymphatic system acts as a drainage system and security system.

Lymph

The fluid formed when blood fluid that leaks out into the spaces between cells enters the lymphatic capillaries.

Lymphatic Capillaries

Tiny tubes that pick up the extra fluid left between cells that does not directly re-enter the blood vessels.

Unabsorbed Leaked Fluid Percentage

The $15\%$ of leaked blood fluid that does not go directly back into the blood vessels and is instead collected by the lymphatic capillaries.

Drain Extra Fluid (Job 1)

A primary function of the lymphatic system that involves collecting extra fluid left around cells and returning it to the bloodstream to clean up extra fluid.

Protect from Infection (Job 2)

A function of the lymphatic system acting like a security guard to help the immune system find and destroy bacteria, viruses, and other harmful organisms.

Absorb Fats (Job 3)

A function of the lymphatic system that helps transport certain fats from the digestive system.

Fluid Homeostasis

The process of keeping the right amount of fluid in the body by collecting extra fluid around cells and sending it back to the blood.