Lymphatic SystemHealth Science I

Structures of Lymphatic SystemLymph FluidLymphatic VesselsLymph NodesTonsilsSpleenThymus

Lymph Fluidgo-between for capillaries and tissue Straw colored similar to plasmaAKA Interstitial fluidComposed of H2O, lymphocytes, some

granulocytes, O2, digested nutrients, hormones, salts, CO2 and urea

Doesn’t contain RBC’s or protein

Lymph Fluid con’t Carries digested food, O2 and hormones to

cells and carries wastes back to capillaries for excretion

Skeletal muscle squeezes and moves fluidValves prevent back flow

Lymph VesselsAccompany and closely parallel veinsLocated in almost all tissues and organs that

have blood vessels Tissue lymph enters small lymph vessels

which drain into larger vessels called lymphatics

They then flow into one of two large, main lymphaticsThoracic duct aka left lymphatic ductRight lymphatic duct

Flows in one direction, toward the heart

Lymphatic DuctsThoracic duct(largest lymphatic vessel)

receives lymph fluid from the left side of the chest, head, neck, abdominal area and lower limbs left subclavian vein superior vena cava heart

Right lymphatic duct receives lymph fluid from the right arm, right side of the head and upper trunk right subclavian superior vena cava heart

Lymph NodesTiny oval shaped structures ranging from

pinhead to almond sizeLocated alone or in groupsSite for lymphocyte production and filtering

harmful substances (bacteria or cancer cells)If substance can’t be destroyed, node

becomes inflamed---called adenitis

Pg 291

Tonsils- get smaller with ageMasses of lymphatic tissue that produce

lymphocytes and filter bacteria, shrink as we age

Three pairs of tonsilsPalatine- sides the soft palateAdenoids- upper part of the throatLingual- back of the tongue

SpleenSac-like mass of lymphatic tissueLocated in the LUQ just below diaphragmForms lymphocytes and monocytesStores large amounts of RBC’s

During excessive bleeding spleen contracts releasing RBC’s into circulation

Destroys and removes old RBC’s

ThymusLocated in upper anterior part of the thorax

above the heartProduces lymphocytesAlso considered an endocrine gland because

it secretes a hormone to produce lymph cells

Functions of the Lymphatic SystemFluid balanceFiltrationLymphocyte productionImmunity

Fluid BalanceTransports excess tissue fluid back into

circulatory systemWhy is this important? To get rid of the fluid

to prevent life-threatening conditions.

Fluid IN

Fluid OUT

FiltrationOccurs in lymph nodesFilters out bacteria, cancer cells, viruses etc.How does filtration affect the lymphatic

system? to detect and remove bacteria filtration removes excess fluid.

Lymphocyte ProductionOccurs in the spleen, thymus and nodesLymphocytes help the body fight against

disease and germsA type of WBC that synthesizes and releases

antibodies Why is this important to our health?

Protection for the body.

ImmunityThe body’s ability to resist bacterial invasion

and disease2 types of immunity

Natural- at birth, inherited and permanent Ex- unbroken skin, local inflammation, mucus, tears,

blood phagocytesAcquired-body’s reaction to invaders

Immunity con’tAcquired 2 typesPassive acquired immunity- borrowed

immunityBabies get this from mothers at birthExposure to a virusLast 3-5 weeks, temporary protection

Active acquired immunity- last a lifetimeNatural acquired- having a disease and

recovering (chickenpox)Artificial acquired- immunizations and vaccines

(MMR)

ImmunityIMMUNIZATION – increasing resistance to

particular diseases by artificial or natural means

Vaccination- Antigen injected into a person to stimulate production of antibodiesAntigen may be dead or weakened bacteria,

virus or toxin

Disorders of the Lymphatic SystemLymphadenitisCancerAnaphylactic shockHIV/AIDSHodgkin’s disease

Infectious mononucleosis

LymphedemaTonsillitisLupus

erythematousScleroderma

Incubation periodTime interval between entry of infection and

onset of symptoms

LymphadenitisEnlargement of the lymph nodeOccurs when the body is fighting infectionReferred to as “swollen glands”

Cancer and Hodgkin’s diseaseCancer cells can be in lymph nodes, HCW

must be aware potential problemsHodgkin’s- form of cancer in lymph nodes

Symptoms painless swellingTreatment- radiation and chemotherapyPrognosis is good

Anaphylactic shockSevere or fatal allergic reactionAllergen- an antigen that causes allergic responseHypersensitivity abnormal response to a drug or

allergenAntigen/antibody reaction causes massive secretion of

histamineSymptoms include breathing problems, headache, facial

swelling, drop in BP, stomach cramps and vomitingTreatment or antidote is adrenaline or antihistaminePrognosis is good with proper and early treatment

Always ask patients if they have allergies to food or drugs

Tonsillitis Infected and enlarged tonsilsSymptoms are difficulty swallowing, severe

sore throat, elevated temperature and chillsTreatment is to cure infectionSurgery is done only in extreme cases

Tonsilectomy

LymphedemaSwelling due to a blockage

of the lymph passages Causes are radiation,

surgery, tumors, and mastectomy

Symptom is swellingTreatment is to wrap

affected area, lymph drainage and ROM(range of motion) exercises

Prognosis is ok lymphedema is a lifelong disease

Infectious MononucleosisAKA “mono” or “the kissing disease” because

it is spread by oral contact and Epstein-Barr virus

Affects young children and adultsSymptoms are enlarged lymph nodes, fever,

fatigue, high leukocyte countTreat symptoms (virus so no cure), bedrest

and fluids

Lupus ErythematousAutoimmune disease that can be from family

predisposition, viruses or even sunlightSymptoms are fatigue, rashes and joint pain;

in severe cases the body attacks it’s organsTreatment is anti-inflammatory medication

and symptom controlThere is no cure Seal, Michael Jackson and Nick Cannon have

lupus

SclerodermaThickening of the skin

and blood vesselsSymptoms are

Raynaud’s (spasm of finger and toe blood vessels), changes in skin color, pain

Will result in loss of movement and dyspnea

NO cureTreatment is to manage

symptoms

HIV/AIDSAcquired Immunodeficiency SyndromeHuman immunodeficiency virusAIDS suppresses the natural immune defense

systemHIV causes AIDSPeople with AIDS can’t fight infections and

cancers

HIV/AIDSTransmission by:

Sex with someone who is HIV positiveSharing needles with infected IV drug users At birth from infected mother

Three responses to HIV infection:AIDSARC (AIDS-related complex)Asymptomatic infection-has HIV but no

symptoms

Symptoms of AIDSProlonged fatiguePersistent fevers or night

sweatsPersistent, unexplained

coughThick coating in throat or

on tongueEasy bruising,

unexplained bleedingAppearance of purple

lesions on mucous membranes or skin that don’t go away

Chronic diarrheaShortness of breathUnexplained

lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes)

Unexplained weight loss, 10 pounds or more, in less than 2 months

Incubation period is 1 month to 12 years

HIV/AIDSScreening

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is an AIDS indicator

Western Blot test is used after positive ELISAOpportunistic infections- a healthy person

would fight off these infections, but a person with AIDS has a compromised immune response. Ex. pneumonia

HIV/AIDSCannot be spread by:

Casual contactThrough air, feces, food, urine or waterCoughing, sneezing, embracing, shaking hands

and sharing eating utensils

The AIDS Patient Sometimes treated as outcastsHealthcare worker should be supportiveUse of gloves for normal patient contact is not

necessary

AIDS related complex (ARC)

Person contracts HIV and other conditions but not AIDS

Symptoms: chronic diarrhea, lymphadenopathy and unexplained weight loss

If life threatening opportunistic infections develop, then individual is said to have AIDS

Prevent the Spread of HIV/AIDSAvoid risky behaviorProtected sexDo Not share needles or syringesClean soiled clothes, surfaces with soap and

hot waterCover open cut, sore, or woundUse standard precaution

Standard PrecautionsGuidelines to use in patient care settingMust be used when there is contact with blood, any body

fluid (except sweat), mucous membranes and non-intact skin

Handwashing – the single most effective way to prevent infectionWash hands after touching body fluids, even if gloves are

worn.Wash hands immediately after and between patient contactUse a plain (non-antimicrobial) soap for minimum 10

secondsGloves, gown, mask/eyeshield (when appropriate) and

separate equipment

Standard PrecautionsGloves – worn when touching blood, body

fluids, etc.Mask, eye protection, face shield and gown –

during patient care activities that may generate splashes or sprays of blood, body fluids, etc.

Patient care equipment and linens – handle with care, don’t let it touch your or clothing, clean or discard appropriately.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rv0yIICeg-E

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnR_tPwFZRI