HS1 7.9 Lymphatic System

Lymphatic system

Consists of lymph, lymph vessels, lymph nodes, and lymphatic tissue.

Lymph

A thin, watery fluid composed of interstitial fluid, which forms when plasma diffuses into tissue spaces.

Lymphatic vessels

Located throughout the body in almost all of the tissues that have blood vessels

Lymphatic capillaries

Small, open-ended lymph vessels that act like drainpipes and pick up lymph at tissues throughout the body

What are lacteals?

Specialized lymphatic capillaries in the area of the small intestine

What do lacteals pick up?

Digested fats or lipids

What do lacteals transport?

Chyle

Where do lacteals transport chyle?

To the thoracic duct

Chyle

Lymph mixed with lipids transported to the bloodstream through the thoracic duct

Thoracic duct

The vessel that transports chyle to the bloodstream

Functions of lymphatic vessels

removal of wastes and excess fluids from the tissues

Functions of the spleen

filtering blood, recycling iron, and supporting immune function

Function of the thymus

the development of T-lymphocytes or T-cells

Diseases of the lymphatic system

Ilymphedema, lymphoma, and lymphadenopathy

Functions of lymph nodes

Filter lymph and house lymphocytes

Immunologist

A healthcare professional specializing in the immune system

Internist

A physician specializing in internal medicine

Lymphedema Therapist

A specialist in treating lymphedema

Massage Therapist

A professional who uses massage techniques for therapeutic purposes

Oncologist

A doctor who specializes in cancer treatment

What are lymph nodes?

Small, round, or oval masses located all over the body

What is the function of lymph nodes?

filter lymph and remove impurities

What types of impurities do lymph nodes remove?

Carbon, cancer cells, pathogens, and dead blood cells

Lymphocytes

A type of leukocyte, or white blood cell, produced by lymphatic tissue in lymph nodes

Antibodies

Substances produced by lymphatic tissue used to combat infection

Lymphatic vessels

Vessels that bring lymph to the lymph nodes and continue to join together to form larger lymph vessels

What is the right lymphatic duct?

A short tube that receives purified lymph from specific areas of the body

Which areas of the body does the right lymphatic duct receive lymph from?

The right side of the head and neck, the right chest, and the right arm

Where does the right lymphatic duct empty its contents?

Into the right subclavian vein

What is the thoracic duct?

A much larger tube that drains lymph from the rest of the body

Where does the thoracic duct empty?

Into the left subclavian vein

What is the cisterna chyli?

An enlarged pouchlike structure at the start of the thoracic duct

What is the function of the cisterna chyli?

storage area for purified lymph before it returns to the bloodstream

What is chyle?

A fluid consisting of fat droplets and lymph

Where is chyle received from?

The intestinal lacteals

What structure receives chyle?

The cisterna chyli

What are tonsils?

Masses of lymphatic tissue that filter interstitial fluid

What are palatine tonsils?

A type of tonsil located on either side of the throat

What are pharyngeal tonsils?

adenoids, they are located at the back of the nasal cavity

What are lingual tonsils?

Tonsils located at the base of the tongue

What is the function of the spleen in producing blood cells?

The spleen produces leukocytes and antibodies

What does the spleen do with old erythrocytes?

The spleen destroys old erythrocytes

What is stored in the spleen?

The spleen stores erythrocytes

What does the spleen do to thrombocytes?

The spleen destroys thrombocytes

What does the spleen filter from body tissues?

The spleen filters metabolites and wastes from body tissues

What is the thymus?

A mass of lymph tissue located in the center of the upper chest

What does the thymus produce?

Antibodies

What does the thymus manufacture during early life?

Lymphocytes

What is adenitis?

An inflammation or infection of the lymph nodes

What causes adenitis?

Harmful substances entering the lymph nodes and infecting the tissue

Lymphadenopathy

The swelling of lymph nodes, typically due to infection

Symptoms of adenitis

Fever and swollen, painful lymph nodes

Treatment for adenitis

Usually includes antibiotics and warm, moist compresses; may require incision and drainage if an abscess forms

Palatine tonsils

Tonsils located on each side of the soft palate

Pharyngeal tonsils

Also called adenoids, located in the nasopharynx

Lingual tonsils

Tonsils located on the back of the tongue

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells that are destroyed by the spleen

Thrombocytes

Platelets that are destroyed by the spleen

Leukocytes

White blood cells produced by the spleen

Lymph

A fluid that is filtered by lymph nodes and contains lymphocytes and antibodies

What is Hodgkin's lymphoma?

A chronic, malignant disease of the lymph nodes

What is the most common form of lymphoma?

Hodgkin's lymphoma

What are common symptoms of Hodgkin's lymphoma?

Painless swelling of the lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, weight loss, fatigue, and pruritus

What is lymphangitis?

An inflammation of lymphatic vessels

What usually causes lymphangitis?

A pathogenic organism entering a lymphatic vessel

What are common symptoms of lymphangitis?

Red streaks, fever, chills, and tenderness or pain

What is splenomegaly?

An enlargement of the spleen

What can cause splenomegaly?

Infections or diseases

What are common symptoms of splenomegaly?

Swelling and abdominal pain

What complications can arise from splenomegaly?

Anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia

What is tonsillitis?

An inflammation or infection of the tonsils

What are common causes of tonsillitis?

Usually viral

What are the symptoms of tonsillitis?

Throat pain, dysphagia, fever, and swollen lymph nodes