PT 431 Lymphatics in the Thoracic Wall

lymphatic system

Structures we don't view in lab, but run with the veins and arteries and are important in immune function, filtering, and fluid drainage.

lymph capillary

Extremely small thin-walled vessels that absorb excess fluid from between cells, interwoven with arterial capillaries

milky white

What is the typical appearance of lymph fluid?

overlapping epithelial cells

How are lymph vessels constructed?

skin and adipose layer

Where is the superficial lymphatic system located?

pre-collectors

what connects the 1st and 2nd superficial lymphatic system layers?

perforating vessels

How does the superficial lymphatic system connect to deeper layers?

muscular/fascial levels

Where is the deep lymphatic system located?

muscles

How is lymphatic return aided in the deeper lymphatic system?

deep lymphatic system

What layer of the lymph system are trunks found in?

lymphoma

malignant tumor of lymph nodes and lymph tissue that can lead to extremity swelling

superficial

With pathologies like lymphoma, do we typically treat superficial or deep lymphatic system?

thoracic duct

duct responsible for draining 3/4 of the body's lymphatic load

R brachiocephalic v

Where do R lymphatic vessels drain into?

thoracic duct to L brachiocephalic v

Where do L lymphatic vessels drain into?

nodes

Lymphatic vessels drain into lymph _________

brachiocephalic v

Where do the lymph nodes and collecting ducts dump?

kidney

What does the structure of a lymph node resemble?

afferent lymphatic vessel

vessel that brings lymphatic fluid to the node

efferent lymphatic vessel

vessel that takes lymphatic fluid away from node

cisterna chyli

an enlarged pouch on the thoracic duct that serves as a storage area for lymph moving toward its point of entry into the venous system

intestinal, lumbar

What trunks drain into the cisterna chyli?

thoracic duct

What is at the termination of the cisterna chyli?

azygous vein

Traveling up from the cisterna chyli, what does the thoracic duct travel with?

deep breathing

What is one good way to stimulate the lymphatic system?