Lymphatic System Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering the components, circulation, vessels, nodes, and cells of the lymphatic system based on the lecture notes.

Lymphatic System Components

1. Lymph vessels

2. Lymphoid tissue (lymph nodes, spleen, thymus)

3. Free cells (lymphocytes and phagocytes).

Lymph

A clear, colourless body fluid rich in protein that circulates in the lymph vessels and carries micro-organisms from the tissue fluid.

Lymph Vessels

fine capillaries in the tissue spaces → unite together

→ larger vessels → lymph nodes → lymphatic ducts

→ large veins in the root of the neck.

Lymphatic Capillaries

Fine capillaries in tissue spaces that differ from blood capillaries by having free blind ends, greater and irregular calibers, and wide pores.

Lacteals

Lymphatic carrying vessels located in the wall of the intestine.

Chyle

Milk-white lymph rich in fat that is found in the lacteals.

Afferent Lymphatics

Lymphatic vessels that carry lymph into lymph nodes.

Efferent Lymphatics

Lymphatic vessels that carry lymph away, eventually collecting into large lymphatic ducts at the root of the neck.

Thoracic Duct

The large lymphatic duct located on the left side at the root of the neck that collects lymph to deliver to large veins.

Right Lymphatic Duct

The large lymphatic duct located on the right side at the root of the neck that collects lymph to deliver to large veins.

brain and spinal cord

avascular structures (epidermis of the skin, cartilage, cornea, hair, nails)

bone marrow

splenic pulp.

Regions where lymphatic vessels are absent:

1. Contraction of muscles and pulsations of arteries

2. Peristaltic movements of the intestine

3. Negative intrathoracic pressure.

The three factors that influence the flow of lymph

Lymph Nodes

Oval or kidney-shaped bodies present in groups along lymph vessels that function in lymphocyte production and exposing microorganisms to phagocytic action by macrophages.

B-lymphocytes

Lymphocytes originating in the bone marrow that synthesize antibodies.

T-lymphocytes

Direct killer lymphocytes associated with the thymus (thus called T-type).

Reticulo-endothelial Cells

Cells possessing phagocytic properties, which exist as fixed-type macrophages in the lymph nodes and spleen.

Kupffer Cells

Macrophages present in the liver.

Monocytes

Macrophages present in the blood.

Monocytes

Macrophages present in the blood.

1. they are sites where microorganisms are

exposed to phagocytic action by the

macrophages.

2. Lymphocyte production.

FUNCTIONS OF LYMPH NODES