Ch. 13 Manuel
Lymphatic
System
Directions:
The lymphatic system is a
complex network of lymphoid organs, lymph nodes,
lymph
ducts, lymphatic
tissues, lymph
capillaries and lymph vessels that produce and transport lymph fluid from tissues to the circulatory system. The lymphatic system is a major part of the immune
system.
Organ/Object:
Warnings!
Children are constantly
fighting off new germs and infections and their lymphatic system quickly
responds to these antigens. Because of this response, it is quite common for
children to have slightly enlarged lymph nodes in certain areas of the body
some of the time.
Dangers!
Neck masses in children often
involve the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system and functions
to fight disease and infections. The lymphatic system goes through many changes
throughout a child's growth and development. Before birth, a fetus relies on
the mother's immune system for protection from infections. At birth, a
newborn's lymphatic system begins to respond to the frequent exposure to new antigens
(organisms and diseases). Lymphatic tissue grows steadily until puberty, when
growth slows.
Operation:
Lymphatic System-The
functions of this system include the absorption of excess fluid and its return
to the blood stream and absorption of fat.
1. Lymph vessels-are closely associated with the circulatory system
vessels. Larger lymph vessels are similar to veins. Lymph capillaries are
scatted throughout the body. Contraction of skeletal muscle causes movement of
the lymph fluid through valves.
2. Lymph nodes- are areas of concentrated
lymphocytes and macrophages
along the lymphatic veins. The spleen is similar to the lymph node except that
it is larger and filled with blood. The spleen serves as a reservoir for blood,
and filters or purifies the blood and lymph fluid that flows through it.
3. Organs-include the bone marrow, lymph nodes, spleen,
and thymus. Bone marrow contains tissue that produces lymphocytes.
B-lymphocytes (B-cells) mature in the bone marrow.
Safety:
Barriers to entry are the skin and mucous membranes. The
skin is a passive barrier to infectious agents such as bacteria and viruses.
The organisms living on the skin surface are unable to penetrate the layers of
dead skin at the surface. Tears and saliva secrete enzymes that breakdown
bacterial cell walls. Skin glands secrete chemicals that retard the growth of
bacteria. Mucus membranes lining the respiratory, digestive, urinary, and
reproductive tracts secrete mucus that forms another barrier. Physical barriers
are the first line of defense.
Maintenance:
To Be Done Daily: Be Very
Healthy
To Be Done Weekly: The
Same as the first
To Be Checked Monthly:
Have a doctor check on your organs
Yearly Inspections: Get a
scan done to check any flaws
Automatic Systems
Check:
The lymphatic system has what
people call Antibodies which are proteins
that are found in blood or other bodily fluids of vertebrates, and are used by the immune
system to identify and
neutralize foreign objects, such as bacteria
and viruses.
Troubleshooting:
Problem: Allergies
Answer: The bodyÕs
defenses point out the invaders from the cells and destroys the invaders
Problem: Autoimmune
Diseases
Answer: Surgery could be
done to prevent further harm
Available Options:
Some available surgeries are Lymphadenectomy,Radical Lymph Node, Dissection, Radical Mastectomy, Mediastinoscopy,Breast Surgery, and Lumpectomy.
Roadside Assistance:
National
Lymphedema Network
Latham
Square Building
1611 Telegraph
Avenue
Suite 1111
Oakland, CA
94612-2138
Tel: (510)208-3200
Fax:
(510)208-3110
Tel:
(800)541-3259
Email:
nln@lymphnet.org
Internet:
http://www.lymphnet.org