GRCC BI 122 LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
EXAM 2025
What are the functions of the lymphatic system? - -
1. Immunity
- Transport of white blood cells
- Transport of pathogens to lymph nodes
- Production of antibodies
2. Interstitial Fluid Return
3. Transport fat from small intestine to veins
What is the hierarchy of the lymphatic system? - -
1. Capillaries
2. Lymph vessels
3. Lymph nodes
4. Lymph vessels
5. Lymph trunk
6. Lymph duct
7. Subclavian veins
What is the function and characteristics of the capillaries ? - -1. Collect interstitial fluid
(lymph)
2. They have similar anatomy as blood capillaries
3. Closed ends
4. Same distance as blood capillaries
What are some characteristics of lymphatic vessels ? - -1. Same tunic anatomy as veins
2. Contains semi-lunar valves
3. Periodic lymph nodes
What is the function of lymphatic trunks? - -Collect lymph from Lymph vessels
What is the function and characteristic of Lymph ducts ? - -1. Collect lymph from lymph
trunks
2. both ducts (thoracic and right lymphatic) dump into subclavian veins
Where can you find lymphatic capillaries ? - -Dermis. Any break in dermis allows entry
into lymphatic system e.g. bee stings, spider bites
What is the function of lymph nodes ? - -Destroy pathogens
GRCC
, GRCC
What are some characteristics of lymph nodes ? - -1. Serves as house for increasing
number of dividing and mature lymphocytes and macrophages
2. Located along lymphatic pathways
Where else are lymphocytes produced? - -Red marrow
What nodes are affected with a throat or respiratory infection ? - -Cervical nodes
become enlarged producing swollen glands
What are the first nodes in line to drain a tumor ? - -Sentinesl lymph nodes should be
the first to receive cells from a metastasizing cancer
What is Elephantiasis ? - -Obstruction of the lymph nodes, caused by, nematodes
worms, tumors or infection, and result in, tissue edema and collagen fiber formation
How is lymph formed ? - -Blood capillary filtration pushes plasma into interstitial spaces
and then into lymph capillaries
Lymph flow occurs via ? - -1. Skeletal muscle contraction in limbs
2. Contraction of respiratory muscles and abdominal viscera
3. Smooth muscle contraction in larger lymph vessels and trunks
How can edema occur ? - -When interstitial fluid accumulation exceeds its movement
into lymphatic capillaries
What are the six organs of the lymphatic system ? - -1. Lymph nodes
2. Thymus
3. Spleen
4. Tonsils
5. Peyer's patches ( Aggregated lymphatic nodules)
6. Appendix
What is the function of the thymus ? - -Maturation of T lymphocytes from red marrow.
Shrinks post-puberty then replace by connective tissue in elderly
What is the function of the spleen? - -1. Filters blood same way lymph nodes filter lymph
by destroying:
- Old red blood cells via capillary channels
- cellular debris via macrophages
- Pathogens via lymphocytes and macrophages
2. Hemopoesis (Red blood cell production) in fetus
3. Blood storage - similar structure as lymph nodes
What are tonsils ? What is their function ? - -Unencapsulated lymph tissue. It gathers
and remove inhaled and ingested pathogens.
GRCC