Lymphatic SystemHealth Science I
Structures of Lymphatic SystemLymph FluidLymphatic VesselsLymph NodesTonsilsSpleenThymus
Lymph Fluidgo-between for capillaries and tissue Straw colored similar to plasmaAKA Interstitial fluidComposed of H2O, lymphocytes, some
granulocytes, O2, digested nutrients, hormones, salts, CO2 and urea
Doesn’t contain RBC’s or protein
Lymph Fluid con’t Carries digested food, O2 and hormones to
cells and carries wastes back to capillaries for excretion
Skeletal muscle squeezes and moves fluidValves prevent back flow
Lymph VesselsAccompany and closely parallel veinsLocated in almost all tissues and organs that
have blood vessels Tissue lymph enters small lymph vessels
which drain into larger vessels called lymphatics
They then flow into one of two large, main lymphaticsThoracic duct aka left lymphatic ductRight lymphatic duct
Flows in one direction, toward the heart
Lymphatic DuctsThoracic duct(largest lymphatic vessel)
receives lymph fluid from the left side of the chest, head, neck, abdominal area and lower limbs left subclavian vein superior vena cava heart
Right lymphatic duct receives lymph fluid from the right arm, right side of the head and upper trunk right subclavian superior vena cava heart
Lymph NodesTiny oval shaped structures ranging from
pinhead to almond sizeLocated alone or in groupsSite for lymphocyte production and filtering
harmful substances (bacteria or cancer cells)If substance can’t be destroyed, node
becomes inflamed---called adenitis
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Tonsils- get smaller with ageMasses of lymphatic tissue that produce
lymphocytes and filter bacteria, shrink as we age
Three pairs of tonsilsPalatine- sides the soft palateAdenoids- upper part of the throatLingual- back of the tongue
SpleenSac-like mass of lymphatic tissueLocated in the LUQ just below diaphragmForms lymphocytes and monocytesStores large amounts of RBC’s
During excessive bleeding spleen contracts releasing RBC’s into circulation
Destroys and removes old RBC’s
ThymusLocated in upper anterior part of the thorax
above the heartProduces lymphocytesAlso considered an endocrine gland because
it secretes a hormone to produce lymph cells
Functions of the Lymphatic SystemFluid balanceFiltrationLymphocyte productionImmunity
Fluid BalanceTransports excess tissue fluid back into
circulatory systemWhy is this important? To get rid of the fluid
to prevent life-threatening conditions.
Fluid IN
Fluid OUT
FiltrationOccurs in lymph nodesFilters out bacteria, cancer cells, viruses etc.How does filtration affect the lymphatic
system? to detect and remove bacteria filtration removes excess fluid.
Lymphocyte ProductionOccurs in the spleen, thymus and nodesLymphocytes help the body fight against
disease and germsA type of WBC that synthesizes and releases
antibodies Why is this important to our health?
Protection for the body.
ImmunityThe body’s ability to resist bacterial invasion
and disease2 types of immunity
Natural- at birth, inherited and permanent Ex- unbroken skin, local inflammation, mucus, tears,
blood phagocytesAcquired-body’s reaction to invaders
Immunity con’tAcquired 2 typesPassive acquired immunity- borrowed
immunityBabies get this from mothers at birthExposure to a virusLast 3-5 weeks, temporary protection
Active acquired immunity- last a lifetimeNatural acquired- having a disease and
recovering (chickenpox)Artificial acquired- immunizations and vaccines
(MMR)
ImmunityIMMUNIZATION – increasing resistance to
particular diseases by artificial or natural means
Vaccination- Antigen injected into a person to stimulate production of antibodiesAntigen may be dead or weakened bacteria,
virus or toxin
Disorders of the Lymphatic SystemLymphadenitisCancerAnaphylactic shockHIV/AIDSHodgkin’s disease
Infectious mononucleosis
LymphedemaTonsillitisLupus
erythematousScleroderma
Incubation periodTime interval between entry of infection and
onset of symptoms
LymphadenitisEnlargement of the lymph nodeOccurs when the body is fighting infectionReferred to as “swollen glands”
Cancer and Hodgkin’s diseaseCancer cells can be in lymph nodes, HCW
must be aware potential problemsHodgkin’s- form of cancer in lymph nodes
Symptoms painless swellingTreatment- radiation and chemotherapyPrognosis is good
Anaphylactic shockSevere or fatal allergic reactionAllergen- an antigen that causes allergic responseHypersensitivity abnormal response to a drug or
allergenAntigen/antibody reaction causes massive secretion of
histamineSymptoms include breathing problems, headache, facial
swelling, drop in BP, stomach cramps and vomitingTreatment or antidote is adrenaline or antihistaminePrognosis is good with proper and early treatment
Always ask patients if they have allergies to food or drugs
Tonsillitis Infected and enlarged tonsilsSymptoms are difficulty swallowing, severe
sore throat, elevated temperature and chillsTreatment is to cure infectionSurgery is done only in extreme cases
Tonsilectomy
LymphedemaSwelling due to a blockage
of the lymph passages Causes are radiation,
surgery, tumors, and mastectomy
Symptom is swellingTreatment is to wrap
affected area, lymph drainage and ROM(range of motion) exercises
Prognosis is ok lymphedema is a lifelong disease
Infectious MononucleosisAKA “mono” or “the kissing disease” because
it is spread by oral contact and Epstein-Barr virus
Affects young children and adultsSymptoms are enlarged lymph nodes, fever,
fatigue, high leukocyte countTreat symptoms (virus so no cure), bedrest
and fluids
Lupus ErythematousAutoimmune disease that can be from family
predisposition, viruses or even sunlightSymptoms are fatigue, rashes and joint pain;
in severe cases the body attacks it’s organsTreatment is anti-inflammatory medication
and symptom controlThere is no cure Seal, Michael Jackson and Nick Cannon have
lupus
SclerodermaThickening of the skin
and blood vesselsSymptoms are
Raynaud’s (spasm of finger and toe blood vessels), changes in skin color, pain
Will result in loss of movement and dyspnea
NO cureTreatment is to manage
symptoms
HIV/AIDSAcquired Immunodeficiency SyndromeHuman immunodeficiency virusAIDS suppresses the natural immune defense
systemHIV causes AIDSPeople with AIDS can’t fight infections and
cancers
HIV/AIDSTransmission by:
Sex with someone who is HIV positiveSharing needles with infected IV drug users At birth from infected mother
Three responses to HIV infection:AIDSARC (AIDS-related complex)Asymptomatic infection-has HIV but no
symptoms
Symptoms of AIDSProlonged fatiguePersistent fevers or night
sweatsPersistent, unexplained
coughThick coating in throat or
on tongueEasy bruising,
unexplained bleedingAppearance of purple
lesions on mucous membranes or skin that don’t go away
Chronic diarrheaShortness of breathUnexplained
lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes)
Unexplained weight loss, 10 pounds or more, in less than 2 months
Incubation period is 1 month to 12 years
HIV/AIDSScreening
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is an AIDS indicator
Western Blot test is used after positive ELISAOpportunistic infections- a healthy person
would fight off these infections, but a person with AIDS has a compromised immune response. Ex. pneumonia
HIV/AIDSCannot be spread by:
Casual contactThrough air, feces, food, urine or waterCoughing, sneezing, embracing, shaking hands
and sharing eating utensils
The AIDS Patient Sometimes treated as outcastsHealthcare worker should be supportiveUse of gloves for normal patient contact is not
necessary
AIDS related complex (ARC)
Person contracts HIV and other conditions but not AIDS
Symptoms: chronic diarrhea, lymphadenopathy and unexplained weight loss
If life threatening opportunistic infections develop, then individual is said to have AIDS
Prevent the Spread of HIV/AIDSAvoid risky behaviorProtected sexDo Not share needles or syringesClean soiled clothes, surfaces with soap and
hot waterCover open cut, sore, or woundUse standard precaution
Standard PrecautionsGuidelines to use in patient care settingMust be used when there is contact with blood, any body
fluid (except sweat), mucous membranes and non-intact skin
Handwashing – the single most effective way to prevent infectionWash hands after touching body fluids, even if gloves are
worn.Wash hands immediately after and between patient contactUse a plain (non-antimicrobial) soap for minimum 10
secondsGloves, gown, mask/eyeshield (when appropriate) and
separate equipment
Standard PrecautionsGloves – worn when touching blood, body
fluids, etc.Mask, eye protection, face shield and gown –
during patient care activities that may generate splashes or sprays of blood, body fluids, etc.
Patient care equipment and linens – handle with care, don’t let it touch your or clothing, clean or discard appropriately.
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