Question

1. What are the three main functions of the lymphatic system?

2. What is lymph? What is the normal composition of lymph? How does the composition of lymph differ from that of blood?

3. Describe the structure of lymphatic capillaries emphasizing on the unique features.

4. Which major body regions drain lymph to the right lymphatic duct?

5. What is lymphedema? What can cause lymphedema?

6. What are the functions of the spleen? If your spleen were removed [splenectomy], would you be able to fight off illness or infections effectively? Why or why not?

7. What is the role of the thymus in the human body?

8. If your tonsils are removed, how does your body develop an immune response against antigens in the throat?

9. The radical mastectomy is an operation in which a cancerous breast, surrounding tissues, and the underlying muscles of the anterior thoracic wall, plus the axillary lymph nodes, are removed. After such an operation, the arm usually swells, or becomes edematous, and is very uncomfortable -- sometimes for months. Why?

10. Could humans live without a lymphatic system? Explain why or why not.

11. Why do lymph nodes enlarge when you are sick?

Answer 1

Answer 1:

The three main functions of lymphatic system are:

Production of immune cells like lymphocytes, monocytes and antibody producing plasma cells.

Absorption of fatty acids from small intestine and transport of chyle and fat to the circulatory system.

Helps in removal of excess fluids from the tissues.

Answer 2:

Lymph is a clear white fluid found at inter cellular cells of tissues and it circulates in the lymphatic vessels.

Lymph is composed of white blood cells i.e lymphocytes, proteins, fats, salts, water, glucose.

Difference between blood and lymph: Blood flows through blood vessels whereas lymph flows through lymphatic vessels. Blood consists of RBC, WBC, PLATELETS & Plasma whereas lymph consists of white blood cells i.e lymphocytes,water,proteins,fats,salts,glucose. Blood is red in colour whereas lymph is clear white fluid.

Answer 3:

Lymphatic capillaries diameter is large than blood capillaries and lymphatic capillaries have closed ends which means interstitial fluid can flow into it but it can not flow out of it.

Answer 4:

Right upper limb, right side of thorax and right side of head and neck drains lymph into right lymphatic duct.

Answer 5:

Lymphedema is swelling which occurs in limbs due to accumulation of lymph.

When the lymph nodes gets damaged or removed due to any disease like cancer then in such conditions there is blockage in lymphatic system due to which lymph is not able to flow and drain and this leads to lymph accumulation causing lymphedema.