Lymphatic system

Lymphatic system

By Aguado Angelica

What Is the Lymphatic System?

The lymphatic system is a collection of organs involved in the production, maturation, and harboring of white blood cells called lymphocytes. It also includes a network of vessels that transport or filter the fluid known as lymph in which lymphocytes circulate.

Besides the tonsils, organs of the lymphatic system include the thymus, the spleen, and hundreds of lymph nodes that are distributed along the lymphatic vessels.

The lymphatic vessels form a transportation network similar in many respects to the blood vessels of the cardiovascular system. However, unlike the cardiovascular system, the lymphatic system is not a closed system. Instead, lymphatic vessels carry lymph in a single direction, always toward the upper chest, where the lymph empties from lymphatic vessels into blood vessels.

Cardiovascular Function of the Lymphatic System

The return of lymph to the bloodstream is one of the major functions of the lymphatic system. When blood travels through capillaries of the cardiovascular system, it is under pressure, which forces some of the components of blood (such as water, oxygen, and nutrients)

through the walls of the capillaries and into the tissue spaces between cells, forming tissue fluid, also called interstitial fluid. Interstitial fluid bathes and nourishes cells and also absorbs their waste products. Much of the water from the interstitial fluid is reabsorbed into the capillary blood by osmosis.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT a function of the lymphatic system?

• removes excess fluid from around organs

• absorbs/transports fats from the gut

• circulates blood around the body

• produces leucocytes

Multiple Choice

These vessels carry blood away from the heart.

• arteries

• veins

• capillaries

• superior vena cava

Multiple Choice

What is the name of the lymphatic tissue found in the back of the throat?

• thymus

• spleen

• tonsils

• liver

Multiple Choice

What is the function of lymph nodes?

• carry excess lymph fluid away from tissues

• drain lymph back into the circulatory system

• filter foreign particles from the lymph

• absorb fat from the gut

Lymphatic System

• A network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste and other unwanted materials

• Primary function is to transport lymph

• Lymph - fluid containing white blood cells

Composition of Lymph

• WBCs - especially lymphocytes

• Blood plasma

• Fats

• Water

• Glucose

• Protein

Hodgkin's Lymphoma

• Cancer of the immune system

• Symptoms usually include fever, night sweats, and weight loss

• Can cause enlargement of lymph nodes and sometimes these lymph nodes are NOT tender

• More than 90% of patients that have this type of cancer survive more than five years, with treatment

Artificial acquired immunity

• Occurs when you receive a vaccination/immunization

• Occurs when laws/requirements are in place- Example: immunization requirements to attend school, benefit is artificial acquired immunity

Addison's disease

• Affects the adrenal gland, which is located above the kidneys

• Your adrenal gland does not produce enough cortisol, making your blood pressure drop(causes other symptoms too)

• it affects the lymphatic system because it is an autoimmune disorder

• The immune system attacks the adrenal glands, causing it to not make enough cortisol

Crohn's disease

• is also an autoimmune disorder

• immune system attacks the digestive system

• cannot be cured

• can cause abdominal pain, weight loss, anemia(lack of oxygen red blood cells)

Multiple Choice

The structure of a lymphatic vessel is most similar to that of a(n)

• Artery
• arteriole
• vein
• capillary

Multiple Choice

What is the name of the fluid inside the lymphatic vessels?

• Plasma

• Lymph

• Blood

• Tissue fluid

Multiple Choice

Which of the following are responsible for fighting diseases?

• Leucocytes

• Erythrocytes

• Platelets

• Lymph

Multiple Choice

What is the name of the lymphatic tissue found in the back of the throat?

• thymus

• spleen

• tonsils

• liver

Multiple Choice

What do we call the bean-shaped structures that are scattered around the body as part of the lymphatic system?

• lymph capillaries

• tonsils

• spleen

• lymph nodes

Multiple Choice

Which phrase best describes the structure of lymph capillaries?

• strong and thick

• thin and leaky

• waterproof and tough

• solid and sealed