Transcript Lymphatic System

Lymphatic System
Allied Health Science One
Mrs. Lewis
Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system acts as a supplement
to the circulatory system. It is not technically
an organ of the circulatory system but these
two systems work very closely together.
The structures of the lymphatic system are:
lymph, lymph nodes, lymph vessels, the
spleen, the thymus gland, lymphoid tissue in
the intestinal tract, and the tonsils.
Lymph
Lymph is the intercellular , interstitial fluid or tissue
fluid that bathes and surrounds spaces b/w the
cells. It is very similar in composition to blood
plasma. It is made up of H20, lymphocytes, some
granulocytes, oxygen, digested nutrients,
hormones, salts, C02 and urea. It carries digested
food, oxygen, and hormones to the cells therefore
acting as an intermediary b/w blood in the
capillaries and the tissues. The lymphatic system
helps the lymph move along by contracting of the
skeletal muscles against the lymph vessels surges
the lymph along or forward into larger vessels.
There is no backflow of fluid due to the valves.
Lymph Vessels
These are pathways for the lymph in the body.
They accompany the veins. They are located in
almost all of the tissues and organs that have
blood vessels (not found in cuticle, nails or
hair). They are also not located in cartilage,
central nervous system, epidermis, eyeball, the
inner ear, or the spleen.
The lymph in the tissues joins into small lymph
vessels and these join in to larger lymph
vessels called the Lymphatics. Theses continue
to join into larger and larger vessels and
eventually join into main Lymphatics.
Lymph Vessels
continued…
These are called:
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Thoracic ducts, also called the left lymphatic duct, receive
lymph from the left side of the chest, head, neck, abdominal
area and lower limbs. Lymph in this duct is carried to the L
subclavian vein. This is how digested nutrients and other
materials can return to the systemic or general circulation.
Right lymphatic duct is the other large main lymph vessel.
This side drains lymph into the superior vena cava.
The lymphatic system does not form a closed circuit
route like the circulatory system. It flows from the body
organs to the heart. It doesn’t flow continually through
the blood vessels.
Lymph Nodes
These are tiny, oval shaped structures ranging
from size of a pinhead to that of an almond.
They can be palpated at times throughout the
body.
Their function is to provide a place for
lymphocyte production and to serve as a filter
for screening out harmful substances (such as
bacteria or cancer cells) from the lymph.
Adenitis and lymphadenitis is when the lymph
node becomes inflamed, swollen, and palpable.
Lymph Nodes
continued…
When you seek a professional with lymph node
problems they check the axillary nodes as they
are located under the arm in the axilla area and
in breast cancer patients will entrap cancer cells
that have been filtered out of the lymph that
flows from the breast area.
Thymus Gland
The thymus gland produces lymphocytes. It is
located in the upper anterior part of the chest or
thorax, above the heart.
The lymphocytes that are produced by the
thymus gland are called T-lymphocytes. The
thymus gland is made up of lymphatic tissue
and is considered part of the lymphatic system
and it is also considered an endocrine gland
because it secretes a hormone called thymosin
and this hormone stimulates the production of
lymphoid cells.
Spleen
The spleen in located in the left upper quadrant
of the abdominal cavity and lies beneath the
diaphragm. It is a sac-like mass of lymphatic
tissue and is the largest organ of the lymphatic
system. The spleen stores large amount of red
blood cells.
Tonsils
There are three pairs of tonsils:
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Most common ones are the palantine tonsils that are located
on the sides of the soft palate.
The ones that are located in the upper part of the throat are
called adenoids.
The third pairs are located at the back of the tongue.
Tonsils are masses of lymphatic tissues and produce
lymphocytes and filter bacteria.
During childhood the tonsils frequently become
infected, enlarged, and cause difficulty in
swallowing,very sore throat, elevated temperature,
and chills. This condition is called tonsillitis.
Functions of the
Lymphatic System
Lymph fluid acts as an intermediary between
the blood in the capillaries and the tissue. It is
straw- colored and is similar in composition to
blood plasma.
Lymph vessels transport the excess tissue fluid
back into the circulatory system. They form an
extensive network throughout the body.
Lymph nodes produce lymphocytes and filter
out harmful bacteria.
Functions of the
Lymphatic System
continued…
Spleen
Produces lymphocytes and monocytes
 Acts as a reservoir for blood in case of emergency.
 Works as a recycling plant, destroying and
removing old red blood cells, preserving the
hemoglobin.
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Thymus gland produces T-lymphocytes
necessary for the immune system.
Tonsils produce lymphocytes and filter bacteria.
Functions of the
Lymphatic System
continued…
Immunity is the body’s ability to resist invaders
and the diseases they cause.
There are two general types of immunity:
Natural Immunity is our own natural immunity that
we are born with. It is inherited and is permanent.
 Acquired Immunity is the reaction that occurs as a
result of exposure to the invaders. This immunity
develops during an individual’s lifetime. It may be
passive or active.
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Functions of the
Lymphatic System
continued…
Passive Acquired Immunity is referred to as the
borrowed immunity. This immunity occurs as a result
of injecting antibodies from the blood if another person
or animal. Babies get receive this immunity from
their mothers breast milk.
Active Acquired Immunity is preferred over the
passive acquired immunity as it lasts longer. There are
two types of active acquired immunity: natural
acquired immunity and artificial acquired immunity.
Functions of the
Lymphatic System
continued
Natural Acquired Immunity is the type of immune
that results of having had and recovering from the
disease. Example if a child gets the chickenpox they
will probably not get the disease again.
Artificial Acquired Immunity occurs from being
inoculated with a suitable vaccine, anitgen, or toxoid.
For example; a child can be inoculated from measles
and mumps, etc. by giving the child a very mild form of
the disease and the child build up antibodies to fight it.
Functions of the
Lymphatic System
continued
Immunization is the process of increasing an
individual’s resistance to a particular infection by
artificial means. An antigen is a substance that is
injected to stimulate production of antibodies.
Examples of antigens are toxins produced by bacteria,
dead or weakened bacteria, viruses and foreign
proteins.
Immunoglobulin is a protein that functions specifically
as an antibody. There are five classes of
immunoglobulins: Immunoglobulin G( IgG), and the
others IgM, IgA, IgD, and IgE.
Functions of the
Lymphatic System
continued
Autoimmunity is when the individual’s
immune system doesn’t function
normally or follows a different course or
pattern. It forms antibodies to its own
tissues which destroy these tissues and
this is known as autoimmune disorder.
Common Lymphatic
Disorders
Hypersensitivity occurs when your immune system
doesn’t protect you against foreign material.
Allergen is an antigen that causes allergic responses.
Examples of allergens include grass, ragweed pollen,
ingested food, penicillin and other antibiotics, and bee
and wasp stings. A very serious allergic reaction is
called anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock. This can be
fatal if not treated quickly.
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Symptoms include breathing problems, headache, facial
swelling, falling blood pressure, stomach cramps, and
vomiting.
If you have allergens you should wear a Med-Alert tag on
the neck or wrist.
AIDS
The discovery of AIDS in 1981.
People who have AIDS have a suppressed
immune system.
You can contract pneumonia.
Homosexual men are more likely to obtain
this disease.
The most common name is HIV or Human
Immunodeficiency Disorders.
AIDS is a disease that suppressed the body’s
natural immune system.
AIDS
A-Acquired- this disease isn’t inherited or
caused by any form of medication.
I-Immuno- refers to the body’s natural
defenses against cancer, disease, and
infections.
D-Deficiency- lacking in cellular immunity
S-Syndrome- the set of diseases or
conditions that are present to signal the
diagnosis.
AIDS
AIDS- Related Complex (ARC) is when an
individual can contract the HIV virus and
develop other conditions, but not AIDS itself.
Symptoms range from chronic diarrhea, to
chronic lymphadenopathy, to unexplained
weight loss.
Transmission of AIDS
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Sexual intercourse where semen enters the body
(75% of people have AIDS contract it through
sexual intercourse).
Sharing hypodermic needles among IV drug users
where infected blood is injected into the body.
In utero or at birth from an infected mother to her
unborn or newborn infant.
Common Lymphatic
Disorders Continued…
Hodgkin’s Disease is the form of cancer in
the lymph nodes.
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The most common early symptom is painless
swelling of the lymph nodes.
Treatment of Hodgkin’s disease is chemotherapy
and radiation with very good results.
Epstein-Barr Virus is infectious
mononucleosis. It is spread by oral contact
and is frequently called the “kissing disease”
or “mono”. Symptoms are enlarged lymph
nodes, fever, physical and mental fatigue.
Standard Precautions
These are guidelines that are to be
used during routine patient care and
cleaning duties. If you expect to have
contact with blood or any body fluid with
the exception of sweat, mucous
membrane, and non-intact skin,
standard precautions should be used.
Standard Precautions
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Hand-washing is the single most
effective way to prevent infection.
Always wash hands after touching blood,
body fluids, secretions, excretions, and
contaminated items, whether or not gloves
are worn.
 Wash hands for a minimum of fifteen
seconds.
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Standard Precautions
continued…
Gloves
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Always wear gloves when touching blood,
body fluid secretions, excretions and
contaminated items. Put on clean gloves
just before touching mucous membranes
and non-intact skin. Remove gloves after
use and wash hands.
Standard Precautions
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Mask, Eye Protection, and Face Shield
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Any procedures that would generate any
possible splashes or sprays of blood, body
fluids, secretions, or excretions, a mask
and eye protector or face shield should be
worn to protect the mucous membranes of
the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Standard Precautions
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Gowns should be worn to protect skin and
clothing. Always remove the soiled gown and
do not touch anything else with it. Place it in
soiled utility.
Patient Care Equipment- be sure reusable
equipment is properly cleaned before it is
passed to another patient. Single used items
should be discarded properly.
Linens- should be properly disposed of in
soiled utility so as to not touch any fluids on
anything.
Standard Precautions
continued…
Occupational Health and Bloodbourne
Pathogens
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Prevent injuries with needles, scalpels, and other
sharp instruments or devices when handling these
in the hospital.
Caution: never recap used needles or any use
technique that involves direction the point of the
needle toward any part of the body.
Always put needles in the sharp objects container.
Use mouthpieces , and resuscitation bags, or
other ventilation methods in areas where there is
need for resuscitation.
Health Care Worker and
the AIDS patient.
It is important that the health care
worker does not treat the AIDS patient
as an outcast. Wearing gloves for all
patient care is not necessary. In fact,
the use of gloves for every normal
patient contact is not recommended.
Wearing gloves for all care sends a
negative message to the patient. It
implies that the patient is unclean.
The End!!!