Lymphatic System

Question 1

Lymphatic system function (3) (2)

Answer 1

• The lymphatic system is the body’s first line of defense
• It carries infection-fighting white blood cells throughout the body
• The lymph system also helps to rid the body of toxins and waste products.
• The system’s primary purpose is to transport proteins and plasma that have left the blood circulatory system, carrying oxygen and nutrients, back to the blood circulation via a network of conduits called lymphatic vessels.
• These vessels also serve an immune purpose: if any of the cells they transport are bacteria or viruses, the lymph nodes (with which they connect along the way) will recognize them as such and initiate a defensive response. Additionally, the lymphatic system carries certain essential fatty acids into the body. **

Question 2

Lymphatic system components (8)

Answer 2

• lymphatic vessels
• lymphatic nodes
• lymphatic fluid
• Spleen
• Thymus
• Bone Marrow
• Peyer Patches in Small Intestine
• Lymphoid Tissue in the Pharynx

Question 3

Benefits of massage on lymphatic system (3)

Answer 3

• Promote lymph circulation
• Increase lymphocyte count
• Increase the number and function of natural killer cells

Question 4

Lymph vessels are

Answer 4

located throughout the body, are larger than capillaries (the smallest blood vessels, which connect arteries and veins), and most are smaller than the smallest veins.

Lymphatic vessels drain fluid called lymph from tissues throughout the body

Question 5

Lymph Nodes

Answer 5

are collection centers for lymph.
They filter damaged cells, cancer cells, and foreign particles out of the lymph. Lymph nodes also contain specialized white blood cells

Question 6

Lymph Fluid

Answer 6

Lymph begins as fluid that has diffused through the very thin walls of capillaries into the space between cells. Most of the fluid is reabsorbed into the capillaries and the rest is drained into the lymphatic vessels, which eventually return it to the veins. Lymph also contains many other substances including:

Proteins, minerals, nutrients, and other substances, which provide nourishment to tissues.
Damaged cells, cancer cells, and foreign particles (such as bacteria and viruses) that may have entered the tissue fluids.

Question 7

Spleen function

Answer 7

acts as a filter for blood as part of the immune system. Old red blood cells are recycled in the spleen, and platelets and white blood cells are stored there

Question 8

Thymus function

Answer 8

It serves a vital role in the training and development of T-lymphocytes or T cells, an extremely important type of white blood cell.

Question 9

Peyer’s patches are

Answer 9

groupings of lymphoid follicles in the mucus membrane that lines your small intestine.

Question 10

Lymphoid follicles are

Answer 10

small organs in your lymphatic system that are similar to lymph nodes.

Question 11

LYMPHOID TISSUE -

Answer 11

Horses do not have discrete masses of lymphoid tonsillar tissue; rather, they have many small foci or follicles of lymphoid tissue spread diffusely over the roof and lateral walls of the pharynx

Question 12

MANUAL LYMPH DRAINAGE [MLD] is..

Answer 12

a unique, gentle type of skin massage technique that promotes lymph to drain out of a limb into an area that drains normally. It is mainly used for lymphoedema (swelling in one or more limbs, usually caused by a blockage or damage to the lymph system). In addition to improving lymphatic circulation, MLD also increases blood flow in deep and superficial veins. MLD is a specialized training and can be added to your equine bodywork practice as continuing education.