Review: Introduction to the Lymphatic System
Here is what we have learned from Introduction to the Lymphatic System:
- The lymphatic system returns excess interstitial fluid to the blood, absorbs fats and fat-soluble vitamins, and provides defense against disease.
- Lymph is the fluid in the lymphatic vessels. It is picked up from the interstitial fluid and returned to the blood plasma.
- Lymphatic vessels carry fluid away from the tissues.
- The right lymphatic duct drains lymph from the upper right quadrant of the body and the thoracic duct drains all the rest.
- Pressure gradients that move fluid through the lymphatic vessels come from the skeletal muscle action, respiratory movements, and contraction of smooth muscle in vessel walls.
- Lymph enters a lymph node through afferent vessels, filters through the sinuses, and leaves through efferent vessels.
- Tonsils are clusters of lymphatic tissue associated with openings into the pharynx and provide protection against pathogens that may enter through the nose and mouth.
- The spleen is a lymph organ that filters blood and also acts as a reservoir for blood.
- The thymus is large in the infant and atrophies after puberty.
Quiz
Go to the quiz if you want to test yourself on the material you learned in this section. The quiz is a self-assessment tool and no records are kept. The feedback will let you know if you have answered the questions correctly. You can take the quiz as many times as you want.