A&P lymphatic system

What is the function of the lymphatic system?

tissue drainage, absorption in the small intestine and immunity

What is lymph?

Lymph is a clear fluid that circulates through the lymphatic system, containing white blood cells, proteins, and waste products.

What are lymph capillaries?

Small, thin-walled vessels that collect lymph from tissues and transport it to larger lymphatic vessels.

What are larger lymph vessels?

Found alongside veins and arteries, same thickness of veins, valves to prevent backflow, vessels become larger to form two ducts that empty lymph into the bloodstream.

What are the two lymphatic ducts?

the thoracic duct and the right lymphatic duct.

Where does the lymphatic duct drain lymph from?

both legs, pelvic and abdominal cavities, left half of the thorax, head, neck and left arm.

Where does the right lymphatic duct drain lymph from?

right half of the thorax, head and neck and right arm

How does the lymph circulate the body?

the lymphatic pump, the muscle layer in the walls of the large lymph vessels has an intrinsic ability to contract rhythmically

What are lymph nodes?

oval or bean shaped organs that lie on lymph vessels, lymph drains through these nodes

What are the functions of lymph nodes?

defence - filter substances from lymphatic fluid, macrophages and antibodies destroy organic materials

What are tonsils?

collections of lymphoid tissue. deep pits or clefts to trap bacteria which are destroyed by the cells of the tonsils

What is the spleen?

largest lymph organ, contains reticular and lymphatic tissue, lies between fundus of the stomach and the diaphragm, destroy old and abnormal erythrocytes

What is the thymus gland?

lies behind sternum and extends upwards, lymphocytes that enter the thymus become T-lymphocytes which can help fight infection