Portage Learning: A&P 2 Module 5
The lymphatic system is closely connected with what other body system?
Cardiovascular system
What are lymphatic vessels?
The lymphatic vessels take up excess tissue fluid and return it to the bloodstream
What are three functions of the lymphatic system?
(1) The lymphatic vessels take up excess tissue fluid and return it to the bloodstream. (2)
Lymphatic capillaries absorb fats and transport them to the bloodstream. (3) The lymphatic
system helps with immunity to defend the body against disease.
What is lymph?
Excess tissue fluid entering the lymphatic capillaries from the interstitial fluid not returned by
the cardiovascular system.
Describe the flow of lymph.
The lymph flows one way, from the lymphatic capillary system to the subclavian veins, where
it joins the venous circulation to return to the heart.
True or false: Lymph vessels are only found in the lower extremities.
False
Describe the structure of lymph vessels
Lymph vessels have one-way flow valves similar in structure to the large veins of the
cardiovascular system. The valves prevent the backward flow of lymph. The return of the
lymph fluid into circulation is solely dependent on the squeezing action of skeletal muscles,
squeezing the fluid one way through the lymphatic vessels.
The right lymphatic duct drains into the ________.
Right subclavian vein
True or false: The thoracic duct drains fluid from the right arm.
False, left arm
, Describe the structure of a lymph node.
A lymph node is encapsulated in a fibrous connective tissue with many incoming and fewer
outgoing lymphatic vessels. Incoming vessels (afferent vessels) flow through a network of
sinuses that contain cells. The lymph then flows out of the lymph node through the efferent
vessel. The interior of the lymph node is divided into open spaces called nodules, containing
lymphocytes and macrophages.
What is the axilla region?
armpit
The spleen is in what region of the body?
The spleen is in the upper left abdomen.
What is the function of the spleen?
The spleen extracts old or defective blood cells and platelets. The spleen also removes
debris, foreign matter, bacteria, viruses and toxins from the blood that flows through it.
After blood exits the spleen via the splenic vein, where does it travel?
Blood leaves the spleen via the splenic vein which flows to the hepatic portal vein (also
called the hepatic portal system). The hepatic portal system carries blood drained from the
veins of the spleen, intestines, stomach and pancreas to the liver. The hepatic portal vein
transports blood into the liver where it is detoxified before returning to general circulation.
Locate the thymus and describe its function.
The thymus gland is located on anterior surface of the heart. The thymus secretes thymosin
and thymopoietin hormones which enable T lymphocytes (T cells) to mature and function as
part of the immunity system. Mature T cells attack body cells which are cancerous or
infected with pathogens.
Locate the tonsils and describe their function.
The tonsils are a group of small lymphoid organs in the lateral, posterior portions of the
throat. The tonsils gather and destroy bacteria inhaled in air or food.
What is the purpose of the nonspecific immune system?
It serves as a first line of defense through physical and chemical barriers to prevent
pathogens from entering the body. The nonspecific immune system response is the same to
all threats that attempt to enter the body. This generalized defense system rapidly destroys
large numbers of pathogens.
What is the purpose of the specific immune system?
The lymphatic system is closely connected with what other body system?
Cardiovascular system
What are lymphatic vessels?
The lymphatic vessels take up excess tissue fluid and return it to the bloodstream
What are three functions of the lymphatic system?
(1) The lymphatic vessels take up excess tissue fluid and return it to the bloodstream. (2)
Lymphatic capillaries absorb fats and transport them to the bloodstream. (3) The lymphatic
system helps with immunity to defend the body against disease.
What is lymph?
Excess tissue fluid entering the lymphatic capillaries from the interstitial fluid not returned by
the cardiovascular system.
Describe the flow of lymph.
The lymph flows one way, from the lymphatic capillary system to the subclavian veins, where
it joins the venous circulation to return to the heart.
True or false: Lymph vessels are only found in the lower extremities.
False
Describe the structure of lymph vessels
Lymph vessels have one-way flow valves similar in structure to the large veins of the
cardiovascular system. The valves prevent the backward flow of lymph. The return of the
lymph fluid into circulation is solely dependent on the squeezing action of skeletal muscles,
squeezing the fluid one way through the lymphatic vessels.
The right lymphatic duct drains into the ________.
Right subclavian vein
True or false: The thoracic duct drains fluid from the right arm.
False, left arm
, Describe the structure of a lymph node.
A lymph node is encapsulated in a fibrous connective tissue with many incoming and fewer
outgoing lymphatic vessels. Incoming vessels (afferent vessels) flow through a network of
sinuses that contain cells. The lymph then flows out of the lymph node through the efferent
vessel. The interior of the lymph node is divided into open spaces called nodules, containing
lymphocytes and macrophages.
What is the axilla region?
armpit
The spleen is in what region of the body?
The spleen is in the upper left abdomen.
What is the function of the spleen?
The spleen extracts old or defective blood cells and platelets. The spleen also removes
debris, foreign matter, bacteria, viruses and toxins from the blood that flows through it.
After blood exits the spleen via the splenic vein, where does it travel?
Blood leaves the spleen via the splenic vein which flows to the hepatic portal vein (also
called the hepatic portal system). The hepatic portal system carries blood drained from the
veins of the spleen, intestines, stomach and pancreas to the liver. The hepatic portal vein
transports blood into the liver where it is detoxified before returning to general circulation.
Locate the thymus and describe its function.
The thymus gland is located on anterior surface of the heart. The thymus secretes thymosin
and thymopoietin hormones which enable T lymphocytes (T cells) to mature and function as
part of the immunity system. Mature T cells attack body cells which are cancerous or
infected with pathogens.
Locate the tonsils and describe their function.
The tonsils are a group of small lymphoid organs in the lateral, posterior portions of the
throat. The tonsils gather and destroy bacteria inhaled in air or food.
What is the purpose of the nonspecific immune system?
It serves as a first line of defense through physical and chemical barriers to prevent
pathogens from entering the body. The nonspecific immune system response is the same to
all threats that attempt to enter the body. This generalized defense system rapidly destroys
large numbers of pathogens.
What is the purpose of the specific immune system?
