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Week 14: Nicholas G
Lymph and lymphatics
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What are the primary functions of the lymphatic system? | The lymphatic system maintains fluid homeostasis by returning excess interstitial fluid to the bloodstream, absorbs dietary lipids via lacteals in the small intestine, and serves a critical role in immune surveillance and response by transporting lymphocy |
| Define lymph and describe its composition. | Lymph is a clear, extracellular fluid derived from interstitial fluid that enters lymphatic capillaries. It contains water, electrolytes, plasma proteins, lipids, and immune cells such as lymphocytes and macrophages. |
| What is the structural organization and function of lymph nodes? | Lymph nodes are encapsulated, bean-shaped lymphoid organs composed of an outer cortex and an inner medulla. They filter lymph, trap pathogens, and provide an environment for the activation and proliferation of B and T lymphocytes. |
| Identify and briefly describe the major lymphoid organs. | Primary lymphoid organs include the bone marrow and thymus, where lymphocytes develop and mature. Secondary lymphoid organs—such as lymph nodes, spleen, tonsils, and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT)—are sites for antigen exposure and lymphocyte ac |
| What is the role of the spleen in the lymphatic and circulatory systems? | The spleen filters blood, removes senescent erythrocytes, stores platelets, and initiates immune responses to blood-borne antigens via white pulp containing lymphocytes. |
| Explain the mechanism of lymph transport through lymphatic vessels. | Lymph transport is facilitated by skeletal muscle contraction, respiratory-induced pressure changes, smooth muscle contractions in larger lymphatic vessels, and unidirectional valves that prevent backflow. |
| Distinguish between B lymphocytes and T lymphocytes in terms of function and origin. | B lymphocytes originate and mature in the bone marrow and are responsible for humoral immunity via antibody production. T lymphocytes originate in the bone marrow but mature in the thymus and mediate cell-mediated immunity, including cytotoxic and helper |
| Describe the role of the thymus in immune system development. | The thymus is a primary lymphoid organ where immature T cells (thymocytes) undergo positive and negative selection to develop into self-tolerant, immunocompetent T lymphocytes. |
| What is lymphedema and what are its pathophysiological causes? | Lymphedema is the accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the interstitial space due to impaired lymphatic drainage, commonly caused by lymphatic obstruction, surgical removal of lymph nodes, radiation, or infection (e.g., filariasis). |
| How does the lymphatic system contribute to adaptive immunity? | It facilitates the transport of antigens to lymphoid tissues, supports antigen presentation by dendritic cells, and provides microenvironments within lymphoid organs for clonal expansion and differentiation of lymphocytes following antigen exposure. |
Created by:
nicholasgill