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THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM ROLE IN FLUID BALANCE - Coggle Diagram
THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM ROLE IN FLUID BALANCE
FUNCTIONS OF LYMPHATIC SYSTEM:
Drain:
Drain excess interstitial fluid from tissue spaces & return it to the venous blood supply, playing an important role in maintaining fluid balance.
Transport:
Transport lipids and lipid soluble vitamins from the villi in the small intestine to the blood
Immune:
As part of the immune system destroys microbes & cancerous or foreign cells.
THE FORMATION OF INTERSTITIAL FLUID:
Interstitial fluid is the fluid that surrounds the body cells and bathes them with oxygen and nutrients. Water and solutes continually filter out of capillaries into the interstitial fluid. Water is moved from an area of higher hydrostatic pressure (blood pressure) in the blood, into the interstitial fluid, which has a lower hydrostatic pressure, by filtration. Water moves from higher osmotic pressure in the in the interstitial fluid, into the blood which has lower osmotic pressure by osmosis.
COMPONENTS OF LYMPHATIC SYSTEM:
The lymphatic system is part of the circulatory system. It is comprised of: Lymph, Lymph vessels, Lymph nodes, Lymph organs such as the spleen and thymus, Includes lymphoid tissue such as the tonsils, Includes bone marrow.
LYMPH FLUID:
Approximately 10% of interstitial fluid drains into lymphatic capillaries in peripheral areas (2-3l per day). Lymph fluid is a clear, watery fluid found in lymphatic vessels. Composition is similar to blood plasma but has less protein. Isotonic.
FORMATION OF LYMPH:
Plasma in blood (higher hydrostatic pressure) -> Interstitial fluid (medium hydrostatic pressure) -> lymphatic capillary (lowest hydrostatic pressure).
LYMPHATIC VESSELS:
Lymph capillaries are blind-ended low-pressure vessels that are widespread in connective tissues. Lymph and blood capillary networks lie side by side. Their walls have loosely connected overlapping cells which form one-way valves. These valves allow entry, but not the exit, of excess interstitial fluid containing small proteins, cell debris, pathogens & cancer cells.
THE TRANSPORT OF LYMPH:
Lymphatic capillaries merge to form larger & larger lymphatic vessels. Lymph flows through the capillaries into the vessels towards the subclavian veins. It passes through lymph nodes as it flows. Lymph nodes are positioned at intervals along the lymph vessels.
OVERVIEW OF FLOW OF FLUID:
Blood capillaries (arterial blood) -> Interstitial spaces (interstitial fluid) -> Lymphatic capillaries (lymph) -> Lymphatic ducts (lymph) -> Blood vessel (venous blood)
PATHWAY OF LYMPH:
The lymphatic vessels eventually lead to lymphatic ducts. The lymphatic ducts empty the lymph into the subclavian veins. The lymph now becomes part of the plasma again.
Lymphatic vessels
Lymph nodes
Lymphatic capillaries
Right lymphatic and thoracic duct
Subclavian veins
FACTORS INVOLVED IN FLOW OF LYMPH:
Rate of lymph formation. Contraction of skeletal muscles which compress lymph in vessels pushing it upwards. Lymph vessels have valves like veins do, and these prevent the backflow of lymph. Rhythmic contraction of lymph vessels. Respiratory pump. Movement of the diaphragm during inhalation. Moves lymph upwards inside the lymph vessels.
LYMPH FLOW:
Most lymph flow in the body is the result of contracting skeletal muscles. Valves in lymphatic vessels assist lymph flow by preventing backflow.
CLINICAL APPLICATION: OEDEMA
- Oedema is swelling caused by increased volume of interstitial fluid. Due to: Increased flow of plasma from blood capillary into the tissues. Blood capillaries enlarge & become more porous on a hot day. Decreased osmotic pressure drawing interstitial fluid back into the blood. People with low albumin level in their blood from kidney disease. Obstruction/reduction of lymphatic drainage.