Lymphatic System & Disease Resistance
1. Describe lymphatic system functions. The primary functions of the lymphatic system are to drain and return interstitial fluid to the blood to absorb and return lipids from the digestive system to the blood, and to filter fluid of pathogens, damaged cells, cellular, and cancerous cells to help protect against invasion.
2. Locate each of the following lymphatic vessels: right lymphatic duct, thoracic (left lymphatic) duct, right and left subclavian veins, and cisterna chyli.
a right lymphatic duct
b.thoracic (left lymphatic)duct
c.right brachiocephalic vein
d.cisterna chyli
.
e. Determine the direction of blood and lymph movement between arterioles, blood and lymph capillaries, and venules. Starts as interstitial fluid then enters lymphatic capillaries then travels in lymphatic vessels to lymph nodes. The lymph ascends or descends to the left or right lymphatic duct.
f. Describe the lymphatic system role with regard to lipids and lipid-soluble vitamins.
The lymphatic system supports the lipids and vitamin A,D,E,K from the GI tract blood stream initiates specific immune responses.
3. What are the thymus gland functions? The thymus functions chiefly to develop T lymphocytes. Once mature, these cells leave the thymus and are transported via blood vessels to the lymph nodes and spleen. T-lymphocytes are responsible for cell mediated immunity, which is an immune response that involves the activation of certain immune cells to fight infection.
4. Identify each of the following in a lymph node: afferent lymphatic vessels and efferent vessels.
a. capsule b. valve
c. What is the function of the macrophages within the lymph nodes? Macrophages are a part of the innate defense mechanism and also play a role in adaptive immunity. Macrophages alert the immune system to microbial invasion. After