Lymphatic system

Question 1

Name the key components of the lymphatic system (6)

Answer 1

1. Lymph
2. Lymph nodes
3. Lymph vessels
4. Lymphatic channels
5. Lymphatic trunks
6. Lymphatic ducts

Question 2

Name some of the functional roles of the lymphatic system

Answer 2

1. Collects excess tissue (interstitial) fluid and moves it along, ultimately returning it back to the circulatory system, hence plays a role in maintenance of fluid balance in the body
2. Absorbs fat from the digestive tract
3. Produces and stores lymphocytes
4. Transports lymphocytes
5. Transports and removes waste products and abnormal cells from the lymph
6. Protects the body against antigens, bacteria, toxins, etc.

Question 3

Lymph transports infection-fighting ___________

Answer 3

WBC’s (lymphocytes)

Question 4

Define “lymph”

Answer 4

Lymphatic fluid is the excess fluid in tissues that has not been resorbed into the capillaries plus other substances, such as proteins, minerals, fats, nutrients, damaged cells, cancer cells and bacteria, viruses

Question 5

What is the functional role of lymph nodes?

Answer 5

1. Cleanse and filters the lymph as it passes through them
2. Filter out damaged cells and cancer cells
3. Produce and store lymphocytes and other immune cells

Question 6

Name the major channels of the lymphatic system that ultimately return the lymph into the blood stream

Answer 6

The right lymphatic duct and the left lymphatic duct (aka the thoracic duct)

Question 7

Name the organs or tissues in the body that may not have lymphatic vessels in them and why?

Answer 7

Cornea, brain
Brain requires homeostatic environment and cannot accomodate any accumulation of lymph
Cornea is avascular and a-lymphatic keeping it transparent and this also limits antigen reactions occurring

Question 8

What are the small masses of lymphatic tissue in the mucous membrane of small intestine named as?

Answer 8

Peyer’s patches

Question 9

What will be the functional consequence of blockage/surgical removal of lymph nodes?

Answer 9

Lymphedema