The Lymphatic System Practice Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the major components, specialized tissues, and clinical conditions of the lymphatic system as discussed in the lecture.

Lymphedema

A condition characterized by swelling in an area where lymph nodes or vessels have been damaged or removed.

White pulp

Distinct areas within the spleen that are rich in lymphocytes and macrophages and are responsible for immune function.

Peyer’s patches

Clusters of lymphoid tissue found specifically in the wall of the distal small intestine, also known as the ileum.

Right lymphatic duct

The vessel that drains lymph from the upper right quadrant of the body, including the right side of the head, right thorax, and right arm, before emptying into the right subclavian vein.

Lymph fluid (lymph)

A clear fluid that travels through the lymphatic system, containing immune cells, proteins, and waste products.

Lymphatic organs

Organs that play a role in the immune system, including the spleen, thymus, tonsils, and lymph nodes.

Lymphatic vessels

transport lymph throughout the body, similar to blood vessels for circulation.

Lymphatic capillaries

Small, thin-walled vessels that collect lymph from tissues; they are permeable and allow for the uptake of larger molecules.

Mini valves

Structures in lymphatic capillaries that allow one-way flow of lymph, preventing backflow.

Transport of lymph fluid

The process by which lymph moves through the lymphatic system, aided by muscle contractions and gravity.

Muscle pump

The mechanism that assists in lymph transport through the contraction of surrounding muscles, which compresses lymphatic vessels.

Lymph nodes

Small, bean-shaped structures that filter lymph and contain immune cells; types include cervical, axillary, inguinal, and intestinal nodes.

Lymph trunks

Major vessels that drain lymph from large regions of the body, leading to lymph ducts.

Lymph ducts

Large lymphatic vessels that return lymph to the bloodstream; include the thoracic duct and right lymphatic duct.

Path of lymph circulation

The flow of lymph from lymph capillaries to lymphatic vessels, to lymph nodes, and ultimately to lymph ducts.

Lacteals

Specialized lymphatic capillaries in the intestinal villi that absorb dietary fats and transport them in lymph.

Chyle

A milky fluid consisting of fat droplets, lymph, and other substances absorbed from the digestive tract.

Cisterna chyli

A dilated sac at the beginning of the thoracic duct that collects lymph from the lower body and intestines.

Movement of lymph through parts of lymph node

Lymph enters the lymph node through afferent lymphatic vessels, is filtered, and exits through efferent vessels.

Structure of lymph node

Made up of an outer cortex and inner medulla, containing lymphoid follicles and areas rich in immune cells.

Thymus gland

An organ located in the chest where T-cells mature; plays a crucial role in developing the immune system.

Spleen

An organ that filters blood, recycles iron from red blood cells, and helps fight infections; contains red and white pulp.

Hilum

The region on an organ where blood vessels and nerves enter or exit; on lymph nodes, it is where efferent vessels exit.

Red pulp

The area in the spleen responsible for filtering blood and recycling iron, containing a large number of red blood cells.

Tonsils

Immunological structures that help defend against pathogens entering through the mouth and throat; types include pharyngeal, palatine, and lingual.

Pharyngeal tonsil

Also known as adenoids; located at the back of the nasopharynx, involved in immune response.

Palatine tonsils

Paired tonsils located on either side of the throat; known as the 'traditional' tonsils.

Lingual tonsils

Paired tonsils located at the base of the tongue, contributing to immune function.

MALT (Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue)

Lymphoid tissues associated with mucosal surfaces, including tonsils and Peyer's patches, providing immune protection.