Lymphatic System - A&P 2 Lecture

What are the three major functions of the Lymphatic System?

Fluid Balance

Immunity

Fat Absorption

What returns excess fluid from tissues back to the bloodstream and without it fluid would build up into tissues?

Fluid Balance

What helps protect the body against:

• Bacteria

• Viruses

• Abnormal Cells

• Other Pathogens

Immunity

What helps absorb dietary fats from the small intestine?

Fat Absorption

What is the lymph formation and return to circulation?

Blood → Tissue Fluid → Lymphatic Capillaries → Lymphatic Vessels → Lymphatic Ducts → Bloodstream

What are the small, bean-shaped structures located along lymphatic vessels.

Lymph Nodes

What is the main function of lymph nodes?

They contain immune cells that can identify and attack pathogens = Filter lymph

What are the examples of Lymph Nodes?

Lymphocytes
Macrophages

What is the important lymphatic organ?

The Spleen

What are the main functions of the spleen?

Filters blood

Removes old or damaged red blood cells

Helps with immune responses

Stores some blood/platelets

What is the main function of the Thymus?

Helps T lymphocytes (T cells) mature

What does MALT stand for?

Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue

What is in lymphatic tissue that is located in areas where pathogens can enter the body?

The MALT (Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue)

What are some examples of the areas where MALT can be found:

Digestive Tract

Respiratory Tract

Tonsils

Appendix

What is the main function of the MALT?

It protects mucous membranes from pathogens

What is the specialized lymphatic capillaries located inside the villi of the small intestine.

Lacteals

What is the main function of the Lacteals?

Absorb dietary fats

What is the pathway for Lacteals?

Small Intestine → lacteals → lymphatic vessels → bloodstream

What is swelling caused by excess fluid in the tissues called?

Edema

What is the normal pathway for Edema?

Excess tissue fluid → lymphatic vessels → bloodstream

What is the pathway if the lymphatic vessels are blocked?

Fluid can’t drain → fluid accumulates → swelling/edema