Lesson 3 | Lymphatic System

• The lymphatic system of the human body is a network of tissues and organs that is responsible for the removal of toxins and waste in the body.

  The main function is to transport the white blood cells to and from the lymph nodes throughout the body.
• STRUCTURE OF THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM

  • The Lymphatic System is composed of fluids or lymph which is similar to plasma but is composed of 95% water.
  • The lymph is transported throughout the system thru the lymphatic vessels, ducts and masses of lymph tissue called nodes.
• FUNCTIONS OF THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM

  1. transport back the tissue fluids to the bloodstream,
  2. removes impurities,
  3. processes lymphocytes and
  4. transport the fats absorbed from the small intestine into the bloodstream.
• The Lymph, an excess tissue fluid that filters into lymphatic capillaries.
• The Capillaries are joined and form the larger vessels which empties into the right lymphatic duct and thoracic duct which empties into the larger veins of the upper body.
• Lymphangitis

  • inflammation of lymphatic channels resulting from an infection at a site distal to the channel.

  Lymphadenitis

  • refers to the inflammation of the lymph nodes.

  Lymphadenopathy

  • also called adenopathy, a disease where there is abnormality in the size or number of lymph nodes.
• Splenomegaly

  • enlargement of the spleen.

  Hodgkin's disease

  • characterized by enlarged lymph nodes.

  Lymphosarcoma

  • a type of cancer that develops from lymphocytes.

  Lymphoma

  • cancer that begins with the lymphocytes.
• Hemostasis

  • The stoppage of bleeding as a response to an injury
  • Normal vasoconstriction where the vessels walls close temporarily
  • This process happens daily just like the repairs of a vessel.
  • Requires coordination between endothelial cells lining the blood vessels, platelets, and other blood cells, and the plasma proteins
• Vasoconstriction

  • The vessel walls are constricted after an injury, which results in reduced flow of blood in the site of injury.
• Coagulation factors and pathways

  • Coagulation or clotting is the process where the blood changes from a liquid form into a gel that forms the blood clot.
  • The coagulation factor refers to the proteins that are needed in the coagulation.
• Extrinsic pathway

  • Which is activated by external trauma (initiates coagulation)

  Intrinsic pathway

  • Which is activated by trauma inside the bloodstream (produces thrombin)
• Initiation, amplification, and propagation are the three cell based on the coagulation phases
• Fibrinolysis is the process where the fibrin is dissolved.

  Two main Activities

  1. Reopens intact vessels by dissolving clots
  2. Removes hemostatic clots from the tissue as part of the healing process
• Deep venous thrombosis (DVT)

  • happens when blood clot forms in one or more deep veins, usually in the legs.

  Disseminated intravascular coagulation

  • when the formation of small clots blocks the small blood vessels.

  Hemophilia

  • disorder involving lack of sufficient blood-clotting proteins.

  Thrombocytopenia

  • low platelet count
• Antecubital fossa

  • Also called the elbow pit is a triangular area on the anterior of the elbow.
  • the first-choice for venipuncture site because there are several major arm veins called antecubital veins which are close to the surface which makes it easy to locate and penetrate.
• M-Shaped antecubital veins

  • Intermediate antebrachial veins which include the median, median cephalic, and media basilic

  Median vein

  • Intermediate antebrachial vein; first choice vein, safest and less painful

  Median Cephalic Vein

  • Intermediate cephalic vein; second choice for venipuncture, less likely to roll

  Median Basilic Vein

  • Intermediate basilic vein, last choice vein because it is more painful
• H-Shaped antecubital veins

  • a vein arrangement that occurs in about 70% of the population.

  Median cubital vein

  • The referred venipuncture site. It is the easiest to access and least painful for patient

  Cephalic Vein

  • The second choice for venipuncture. It is harder to palate but is usually better when drawing blood from an obese patient.

  Basilic vein

  • Last choice vein for venipuncture as it is not well anchored and puncture on this vein is more painful.
• Other arm and hand veins

  • used only if the antecubital veins are not accessible.
  • The veins at the back of the hand which can be used are smaller, so it may be very painful. Take note that the underside of the wrist is never used as a venipuncture site.
• Leg, ankle and foot veins

  • must not be used in venipuncture with the permission of a physician due to complications such as thrombosis.
• Arteries

  • not used for routine blood collection and limited to collection of arterial blood gas.
  • Special training is needed and it is more risky for the patient.
• Vasoconstrict

  • Lumen constricts

  Vasoconstriction

  • the narrowing (constriction) of blood vessels by small muscles in their walls. When blood vessels constrict, blood flow is slowed or blocked

  Vasodilation

  • the medical term for when blood vessels in your body widen, allowing more blood to flow through them and lowering your blood pressure. This is a normal process that happens in your body without you even realizing it