Lymphatic System Review

These flashcards cover key concepts, definitions, and functions related to the lymphatic system, based on the lecture notes provided.

What are the primary lymphatic structures?

Thymus and red bone marrow.

What are the secondary lymphatic structures?

Lymph nodes, spleen, and tonsils.

What is the function of lymphatic vessels?

Transport lymph throughout the body.

What is the splenic artery?

An artery that supplies blood to the spleen.

What does the cisterna chyli do?

Collects lymph from the lower body and drains into the thoracic duct.

Where do the thoracic duct and right lymphatic duct drain lymph into?

Venous circulation.

What is found in the cortex of the thymus?

Thymocytes (immature T cells) and supporting epithelial cells.

What is found in the medulla of the thymus?

Mature T cells and Hassall's corpuscles.

What happens to the thymus as we age?

It shrinks and becomes less active.

What does it mean to have "swollen glands"?

Lymph nodes become enlarged due to infection or immune response.

What is found in the germinal centers of lymph nodes?

B cells undergoing proliferation and differentiation.

What is found in the red pulp of the spleen?

Red blood cells, macrophages, and lymphocytes.

What is found in the white pulp of the spleen?

Lymphocytes and immune cells.

What is another term used for the pharyngeal tonsil?

Adenoid.

What symptoms might be observed when tonsils are inflamed?

Sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever.

What are Peyer's patches?

Aggregated lymphoid nodules in the ileum of the small intestine.

What is the role of lacteals in the lymphatic system?

Transport dietary fats and fat-soluble vitamins from the intestine.

What are the components of the thoracic duct?

Collects lymph from the left side of the head, neck, thorax, and entire lower body.

What does the right lymphatic duct drain?

Lymph from the right side of the head, neck, right upper limb, and right thorax.

What are lymphatic nodules?

Aggregates of lymphoid tissue located in various regions of the body.

What type of cells populate the lymphatic vessels?

Endothelial cells and lymphocytes.

What is the function of lymph nodes?

Filter lymph and trap pathogens.

What role does the spleen play in immunity?

Filters blood and helps mount immune responses.

What is the main function of the thymus?

Maturation of T lymphocytes.

What is a common feature of all lymphatic tissues?

Contain immune cells.

What happens in the germinal centers during an immune response?

B cells proliferate and differentiate into plasma cells.

Which lymphatic structure is most involved in immune monitoring?

Lymph nodes.

What structural feature do lymphatic vessels have that veins typically do not?

Valves.

What role do macrophages play in lymph nodes?

Phagocytosis of pathogens and debris.

What are the histological features of the thymus?

Lobulated structure with cortex and medulla.

What does the lymphatic system help maintain?

Fluid balance in the body.

Which condition results in the enlargement of lymph nodes?

Lymphadenopathy.

What kind of feedback involves the thymus and T cell counts?

Negative feedback.

What is the significance of the splenic capsule in histology?

It distinguishes spleen tissue from surrounding tissues.

What do barriers like the spleen and lymph nodes function as?

Filters for pathogens.

What form does lymph take when collected from tissues?

Clear fluid.

What triggers the activation of T cells in the thymus?

Antigen presentation.

What characterizes the white pulp of the spleen histologically?

Presence of lymphatic follicles.

What can cause the red pulp of the spleen to increase in size?

Increased red blood cell destruction.

What is the role of lymphoid tissue in MALT?

Protects mucosal surfaces from pathogens.

What is the lymphatic function of Peyer’s patches?

Monitor intestinal bacteria and prevent growth of pathogenic bacteria.

What does the lymphatic system transport besides lymph?

Immune cells and waste products.

What is the anatomical location of the internal jugular vein junction?

With the subclavian vein.

What is the main purpose of lymph circulation?

Return excess interstitial fluid to the bloodstream.

What major biological system does the lymphatic system interact with?

The circulatory system.

What is the typical consequence of a compromised lymphatic system?

Edema, or swelling due to fluid accumulation.

What consists mainly of lymphocytes and acts as the body's defense?

The lymphatic system.

How do lymph nodes respond to infections?

They produce more lymphocytes.

What happens to aged thymocytes?

They undergo apoptosis or programmed cell death.

What immunological roles do splenic red pulp serve?

Filters blood and destroys old red blood cells.

What structure connects the lymphatic and circulatory systems?

Lymphatic ducts.

What do lymphatic capillaries primarily absorb?

Interstitital fluid and fats.

Which cells are primarily found in the germinal centers?

B lymphocytes.

What creates the distinct lobules in the thymus?

Capsule and septae.

What is the effect of lymph node swelling on systemic immune response?

Indicates an active immune response.

What do lymphatic valves prevent?

Backflow of lymph.