A&P 2 Lab Exam 3

Lymphatic system

consists of lymphatics, organs, tissues, and lymph

What are the main functions of the lymphatic system?

• collect and return excess interstitial fluid to the blood stream

• transports dietary lipids and lipid soluble vitamins

• serves as a site of immune function

  • houses phagocytic cells and lymphocytes

What is the flow of lymph?

lymphatic capillaries → lymphatic vessels (passing through nodes) → lymphatic trunks → lymphatic ducts

the lymphatic system is highly ______.

permeable

What does it mean for the lymphatic system to be highly permeable?

• endothelial cells are not tightly bound allowing fluid to leak in

• collagen anchors the lymphatic capillaries to the surrounding tissue allowing any increase in interstitial fluid to open these valves

Lacteals

brings fat and soluble vitamins from intestines into vasculature.

What is the flow of fat/fat soluble vitamins in lacteals?

intestines (chylomicrons) → lymphatic vessels (chyle) → heart → blood → liver (chylomicron remnant) → blood (cholipoprotein) → tissues, particularly adipose (triglycerides)

Why can substances like pathogens, protein, and cancer cells enter the lymphatic capillaries?

high permeability

lymph nodes

encapsulated bean shaped organs containing lymphocyte

what is the function of lymph nodes?

• filter the lymph

• immune system activation

lymph trunks merge to form two main ducts:

1. left (thoracic) lymphatic duct

2. Right lymphatic duct

left (thoracic) lymphatic duct

• drains lymph from the legs, abdomen, left arm, left thorax, neck and head

• drains into the left jugular/subclavian vein

right lymphatic duct

• drains lymph from the right arm, right thorax, neck, and head

• drains into the right jugular/subclavian vein