The lymphatic system

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Name: ____________________________________

Key Words

Leukocyte – White blood cell

Erythrocytes – Red blood cell

Thymus - the primary gland of the lymphatic system, located within the mediastinum; helps maintain the body's immune response by producing T lymphocytes

Spleen - the organ between the stomach and diaphragm that filters out aging blood cells, removes cellular debris by performing phagocytosis, and provides the environment for the initiation of immune responses by lymphocytes

Lymph nodes - many small oval structures that filter the lymph received from the lymph vessels

Lymphocytopenia - abnormally reduced number of lymphocytes

Immunocompromised - impaired immunological defences caused by an immunodeficiency disorder or therapy with immunosuppressive agents

Immunosuppression - impaired ability to provide an immune response

Anaemia - a condition of reduced numbers of red blood cells, haemoglobin, or the volume packed red cells in the blood, resulting in a diminished ability of red blood cells to transport oxygen to the tissues

Lymphoma - a neoplasm of lymph tissue that is usually malignant, any neoplastic disorder of lymph tissue, usually malignant, as in Hodgkin disease

Splenomegaly - an abnormal enlargement of the spleen

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) - a syndrome caused by the human immunodeficiency virus HIV that renders immune cells ineffective permitting opportunistic infections malignancies and neurological diseases to develop it is transmitted sexually or through exposure to contaminated blood

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Criteria covered by this task:

Unit/Criteria reference

To achieve the criteria, you must show that you are able to:

B. D2Evaluate the effect of corrective treatment(s) for a disorder of the lymphatic system.

B. M2Explain the physiological reasoning for corrective treatment(s) associated with the disorder of the lymphatic system.

B. P4Describe the effect of disorder on the lymphatic system and possible corrective treatment(s).

B. P3Describe the gross anatomy and function of the organs of the lymphatic system.

Assignment 8B, The lymphatic system.

Unit 8 Physiology of Human Body Systems

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Learning Aim B – Lymphatic System and Disorders

Produce a portfolio of evidence for the charity that contains a detailed patient case study and includes all the following information. Your work must be written professionally using appropriate scientific terminology. Sources of information must be properly referenced.

P3 Structure of the Lymphatic System

Use labelled diagrams, photos or models to describe the composition and location of the Lymphatic system. Make sure you include:

1. Spleen, thymus gland, tonsils, lymph glands, lymph vessels (lacteals)2. Major lymph nodes – axillary, abdominal, inguinal, popliteal, supratrochlear3. Presence of valves

P3 continued Normal Functions of the Lymphatic System

Use diagrams, photos or models to explain the functions of the Lymphatic System. How do they work together in the healthy state? Make sure you include:

1. Location, processes, structures involved and importance of each function:

a. Formation and transport of lymphocytes b. Formation of lymph and its role in body defence

mechanismsc. Removal of interstitial fluid from tissuesd. Maintenance of hydrostatic pressuree. Absorption of fats from the digestive system

P4 Disorders of the Lymphatic System

Choose ONE disorder from the following list:

Lymphadenitis Lymphedema Hodgkin’s lymphoma Lymphatic Filariasis

For your chosen disorder:1. Explain the causes and symptoms of this disorder. 2. Explain how it stops the normal function of the body.3. Explain the available treatments for your chosen disorder and how they work.

M2 Explain the physiological reasoning for corrective treatments

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Lymphatic system:

Organs - SpleenGlands – thymus,

tonsils, lymph glandsNodes

Vessels (lacteals)

1. Make sure your explanations of the structures and functions of the Lymphatic system are DETAILED and use correct scientific terminology.

2. Explain in detail how the disorder you have chosen affects the normal functioning of the lymphatic system. What are the signs and symptoms?

3. Explain the possible treatments in detail.4. Explain the reasoning for the use of corrective treatments for your chosen disorder.

D2 Evaluate the effect of treatments used for a Lymphatic system disorder

1. Focus on one named disorder.2. Use a patient case study to explain the implications of the disease on the health

status of the person – physical, emotional, psychological and social. 3. Compare and discuss the different treatments available including benefits and

problems for the individual and for medical professionals. What are the effectiveness, limitations, strengths and weaknesses, potential risks and problems of the corrective treatments used?

For example, in the treatment of certain lymphatic diseases, some patients will receive both chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments whist others receive only chemotherapy. Even then, the combination of drugs used will vary in consideration of other factors related to the patient and the stage of the disease.

4. Is it possible to restore normal lymphatic function?

P3 - Describe the gross anatomy and organs of the lymphatic system.

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Label the diagram

The Spleen6

Similar in structure to a large _____________, it acts primarily as a blood filter.

The spleen plays important roles in regard to ____ ________ ________ (also referred to as _______________) and the immune system. It removes old red blood cells and holds a reserve of blood, which can be valuable in case of hemorrhagic shock, and also recycles iron.

The spleen synthesizes ____________ in its white pulp and removes ____________ _____ bacteria and antibody-coated blood cells by way of ________ and __________ node circulation. The spleen is a center of activity of the _____________ ____________ ________ and can be considered analogous to a large lymph node, as its absence causes a predisposition to certain infections.

In humans the spleen is ____________ in color and is located in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen

Word Bank.

mononuclear phagocyte system Red Blood cells Lymph Antibodies Blood Brownish Lymph Anti-body coated

The Thymus Gland

The thymus is a specialized primary _________ _______of the immune system. Within the thymus, T cells or T _______________ mature. T cells are critical to the adaptive immune

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system, where the body adapts specifically to ___________ __________. The thymus is composed of two identical lobes and is located anatomically in the anterior superior mediastinum, in front of the ____________ and behind the ____________.

The ____________ provides an inductive environment for development of T cells from ________________ ____________cells. In addition, thymic ____________ cells allow for the selection of a functional and self-tolerant T cell repertoire.

The thymus is largest and most active during the neonatal and pre-adolescent periods. By the early teens, the thymus begins to atrophy and ________ _________is mostly replaced by ___________ (fat) tissue. Nevertheless, residual T lymphopoiesis continues throughout adult life.

Word Bank:

Thymic stroma lymphoid organ Thymus Stromal lymphocytes Sternum hematopoietic progenitor Adipose foreign invaders Heart

Tonsils

Tonsils are collections of __________ tissue facing into the _____________tract. The set of lymphatic tissue known as ________________tonsillar ring includes the adenoid tonsil, two tubal tonsils, two palatine tonsils, and the lingual tonsil.

When used unqualified, the term most commonly refers specifically to the ___________tonsils, which are masses of lymphatic material situated at either side of the

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back of the human throat. The palatine tonsils and the ___________________ tonsil are lymphoepithelial tissues located near the oropharynx and nasopharynx (parts of the throat).

These ____________________tissues are the immune system's first line of defense against ingested or inhaled foreign _______________, and as such frequently engorge with blood to assist in immune responses to common illnesses such as the ______________.

Word Bank:

nasopharyngeal Lymphoid immunocompetent common cold aerodigestive Waldeyer's pathogens palatine

Lymph gland/node

A lymph node or lymph gland, is an ovoid or __________ organ of the ___________ _____, and of the adaptive immune system, that is widely present throughout the body. They are linked by _________ ____________the as a part of the circulatory system. Lymph nodes are major sites of B and T _________________, and other white blood cells. Lymph nodes are important for the proper functioning of the immune system, acting as filters for foreign

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particles and ______________ ________. Lymph nodes do not have a detoxification function, which is primarily dealt with by the liver and kidneys.

In the lymphatic system the lymph node is a secondary lymphoid organ. A lymph node is enclosed in a ______________ _________and is made up of an outer cortex and an inner medulla.

Lymph nodes also have clinical significance. They become inflamed or enlarged in various _______________ which may range from trivial throat infections, to life-threatening cancers. The condition of the lymph nodes is very important in cancer staging, which decides the treatment to be used, and determines the prognosis. When swollen, inflamed or enlarged, lymph nodes can be hard, firm or tender.

Word Bank:

Diseases fibrous capsule lymphatic vessels kidney-shaped lymphocytes cancer cells lymphatic system

Lymphatic vesselsLymphatic vessels (or lymph vessels or lymphatics) are thin-walled, valved structures that carry lymph. As part of the _________ _______, lymph vessels are complementary to the ________________system. Lymph vessels are lined by ____________________cells, and have a thin layer of smooth muscles, and adventitia that bind the lymph vessels to the surrounding tissue.

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Lymph vessels are devoted to ______________ of the lymph from the lymph capillaries, which are mainly concerned with absorption of _____________ __________from the tissues. Lymph capillaries are slightly larger than their counterpart capillaries of the vascular system. Lymph vessels that carry __________to a lymph node are called the _______________lymph vessel, and one that carries it from a lymph node is called the ______________lymph vessel, from where the lymph may travel to another lymph node, may be returned to a vein, or may travel to a larger lymph duct. Lymph ducts drain the lymph into one of the subclavian veins and thus return it to general circulation.

Word Bank:

cardiovascular efferent endothelial afferent interstitial fluid lymphatic system lymph propulsion

P3 – Describe the functions of the lymphatic system

The main processes of the lymphatic system are:

• Formation and transport of lymphocytes and lymph

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• Removal of interstitial fluid from tissues

• Maintenance of hydrostatic pressure

• Absorption of fats from the digestive system

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Hydrostatic pressure.

The same process occurs in the blood vessels and the lymphatic vessels.

Match the correct description to the correct part of the process.

Word Bank: B Lymphocyte Red Blood Cell T Lymphocyte Lymphoblast Myeloid Lymphoid White Blood Cells

Formation of lymphocytes

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Removal of interstitial fluid

Word Bank:

Capillary Lymphatic system Body Cells Arteries Excess fluid drains into lymphatic system.

Absorption of fats

Word Bank:

Thin Epithelium

Blood Capillary

Lymphatic vessel

Villi structure in the small intestine, the blood vessel absorbs amino acids and glucose from the food. The lymphatic vessel absorbs and transports fats away

from the digested food.

Complete the table to show which organs are responsible for the functions of the lymphatic system.

Absorption of fats from

the digestive system

Maintenance

of hydrostatic pressure

Removal of

interstitial fluid from

tissues

Formation

and transport of

lymphocytes

and lymph

SpleenLym

ph glandsLym

phatic vessels

TonsilsThym

us gland

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P4 – Describe the effect of disorders on the lymphatic system and possible corrective treatment(s).

Disorders

There are three major disorders that can affect the lymphatic system:

Lymphadenitis

Lymphedema

Hodgkin’s lymphoma

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Lymphadenitis

Lymphadenitis is an inflammation of the lymph nodes usually due

to infection.

Causes:

Lymph node enlargement is recognized as a common sign of infectious, autoimmune, or malignant disease. Examples may include:

Bubonic plague; lymph nodes become inflamed and can be come necrotic and burst.

Anthrax Infection of a wound.

Treatments

• Often gets better without treatment

• Rest, fluids, and warm heat applied to the abdomen may also help relieve symptoms

• Also treatment for the cause of the inflammation e.g. antibiotics

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Lymphedema

Causes;

• Abnormal development of the lymphatic system, damage to it, and/or an increase in fluid in the body tissues can all lead to lymphoedema

• Most commonly in the arm or leg, but it also may occur in other parts of the body

Treatments;

There is no cure for lymphoedema, but it is usually possible to control the main symptoms using techniques to minimise fluid build-up and stimulate the flow of fluid through the lymphatic system.

These include wearing compression garments, taking good care of your skin, moving and exercising regularly, having a healthy diet and lifestyle, and using specialised massage techniques

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Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Causes;

• Hodgkin lymphoma is an uncommon cancer that develops in the lymphatic system

• B-lymphocytes start to multiply in an abnormal way and begin to collect in certain parts of the lymphatic system, such as the lymph nodes (glands).

• The affected lymphocytes lose their infection-fighting properties, making you more vulnerable to infection.

Treatment;

• The main treatments used are chemotherapy, followed by radiotherapy.

• Surgery isn't generally used as a treatment for the condition. If a lymph node bursts during surgery it will spread the cancer to other parts of the body.

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B. D2Evaluate the effect of corrective treatment(s) for a disorder of the lymphatic system.

B. M2Explain the physiological reasoning for corrective treatment(s) associated with the disorder of the lymphatic system.

B. P4Describe the effect of disorder on the lymphatic system and possible corrective treatment(s).

Research the treatments for each of the disorders to fill in this section.

Lymphadenitis:

Treatment: _________________________________

Physiological effects of the treatment (include effects of the treatment on lymphatic organs and cells, how is it beneficial?): ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Evaluate how effective the treatment is (What is the success rate? Are there any side effects? Are there any other treatments that may be more effective?) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Lymphedema:

Treatment: _________________________________

Physiological effects of the treatment (include effects of the treatment on lymphatic organs and cells, how is it beneficial?): ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Evaluate how effective the treatment is (What is the success rate? Are there any side effects? Are there any other treatments that may be more effective?) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Hodgkin’s lymphoma:

Treatment: _________________________________

Physiological effects of the treatment (include effects of the treatment on lymphatic organs and cells, how is it beneficial?): ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Evaluate how effective the treatment is (What is the success rate? Are there any side effects? Are there any other treatments that may be more effective?) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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