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Explain the structure of the lymphatic system A.LYMPH – 1. Straw-colored, similar to plasma 2. Interstitial fluid-(fluid in spaces between cells) 3. Composed of H2O lymphocytes, O2, digested nutrients, etc., but no red cells or protein (too large) B.LYMPH VESSELS – 1. Closely parallel veins 2. Located in almost all tissues and organs that have blood vessels 3. Thoracic duct – largest lymph vessel

Structure cont. C.LYMPH NODES –. 1.Tiny, oval shaped size of a pinhead to size of almond 2. Located in neck and throughout the body D.TONSILS- 1.Get smaller as person gets older 2. Located in the throat 3. Adenoids tonsils on upper part of throat. E.SPLEEN – 1.Sac-like mass of lymphatic tissue 2. The largest organ that is located in the Upper left abdominal cavity just below diaphragm. F.Thymus gland – 1.Upper anterior chest above the heart.

Analyze the function of the lymphatic system. Lymph – fluid that goes between capillary blood and tissues. 1. Carries digested food, O2, and hormones to cells 2. Carries wastes back to the capillaries for excretion 3. Since lymphatic system has not pump, skeletal muscle action squeezes lymph along 4. Lymph in tissues is interstitial fluid.

Lymph Vessels Lymph vessels- transport excess tissue fluid back into circulatory system 1.Valves prevent backward flow 2.Lymph flows in only one direction-from body organs to heart 3. Closely parallel veins 4.Tissue lymph enter small lymph vessels which drain into larger lymph vessels (lymphatics) into two main lymphatics –the thoracic duct and right lymphatic duct

Lymph Nodes 1. Produce lymphocytes 2. Filter out harmful bacteria 3. If substance can’t be destroyed, node become inflamed.

Tonsils 1. Lymph tissue that produces lymphocytes. 2. They get smaller as a person gets older

Spleen 1. Produce lymphocytes and monocytes 2. Filters blood 3. Blood reservoir- Stores large amounts of RBCs – contracts during vigorous exercise or loss of blood, to release RBC’s 4. Recycles-destroys old or fragile RBC’s

Thymus 1. Produces lymphocytes 2. Thymus is also considered an endocrine gland

Immunity- the body’s ability to resist disease. NATURAL IMMUNITY – at birth, inherited and permanent. Includes: Unbroken skin Mucus and tears Blood phagocytes Local inflammation

PASSIVE ACQUIRED IMMUNITY From injecting antibodies, only lasts a few weeks Not present at birth. The body’s reaction to invaders.

1. NATURAL ACQUIRED IMMUNITY – result of having had and recovered from a disease. For example, a child who had measles will usually not get it again – child’s body has manufactured antibodies. 2. ARTIFICIAL ACQUIRED IMMUNITY comes from being vaccinated 3. IMMUNIZATION Antigen injected into a person to stimulate production of antibodies Lasts longer

Disorders of the Lymphatic System TONSILLITIS 1. In childhood, they may become infected, enlarged, 2. cause difficulty swallowing 3. Tonsillectomy in extreme cases Lymphadenitis generalized enlargement of the lymph nodes (adenitis) 1. Enlargement of the lymph glands 2. Occurs when infection is present and body is attempting to fight off the infection.

HODGKIN’S DISEASE 1. Cancer of the lymph nodes, 2. Painless swelling of lymph nodes is early symptom. 3. Rx – chemotherapy and radiation INFECTIOUS MONONUCLEOSIS 1. Caused by virus 2. Frequently in young adults and children 3. Spread by oral contact (kissing) 4. Symptoms – enlarged lymph nodes, fever, physical and mental fatigue,  leukocytes 5. Rx (treatment)- bedrest

Hypersensitivity 1. Abnormal response to a drug or allergen. 2. Antibodies made in response to foreign material ALLERGEN irritate certain body cells 3. Allergen - is an antigen that causes allergic responses. (Examples of allergens – ragweed, penicillin, bee stings, foods such as nuts, etc.)

Anaphylaxis 1. Severe, sometimes fatal allergic reaction 2. Antigen-antibody reaction stimulates a massive secretion of histamine 3. Symptoms – breathing problems, headache, facial swelling, falling blood pressure, stomach cramps, and vomiting 4. Treatment – adrenaline or epinephrine (Epipen) 5. Those who have hypersensitivity to bee stings should wear a medic alert bracelet

Autoimmune disorders When a persons own immune system mistakenly targets normal cells, tissues and organs of a person’s body Lupus Erythematosus-  Combination of symptoms- could be skin, joints, blood clotting.  Severe cases could damage kidney, brain, or lungs.  Treat with anti- iflammatory meds

Autoimmune disorder Scleraderma  Thickening of skin and blood vessels.  Raynauds disease is usually present Spasm of blood vessels of finger and toes. Sx include sensitivity to cold  Can result in loss of movement and difficulty breathing.

Lymphedema Condition that results from impaired flow of the lymphatic system. Sx include swelling in one or more extremities. No cure for lymphedema, however compression treatments and physical therapy may help reduce the swelling and discomfort.

HIV/AIDS 1. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome 2. Caused by HIV 3. Three responses to HIV infection: a. AIDS – full disorder b. ARC – AIDS – related complex c. Asymptomatic infection 4. Screening tests for HIV available. 5. AIDS victim subject to opportunistic infections or diseases (cancer, infections) that a healthy person would fight off but AIDS victim has compromised immune response. 6. Incubation period – 1 month to 12 years.

7. RX and prevention- advances being made. 8. ARC – AIDS- related complex – HIV but not AIDS – less severe symptoms. 9. Transmission a. Sex with someone HIV positive b. Sharing needles with infected drug users. c. At birth from infected mother 10. Cannot be spread by casual contact, coughing, sneezing, shaking hands and sharing eating utensils. 11. Prevention – avoid risky behaviors and observe standard precautions.

Guidelines to be used in patient care setting Must 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 infection. Wash hands after touching body fluids, even if gloves are worn. Wash hands immediately after removing gloves, between patient contacts. Use a plain (non-antimicrobial) soap Wash for a minimum of 20 seconds Personal protective equipment Gloves – worn when touching blood, body fluids, etc. (If it’s wet and not yours WEAR GLOVES) 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.

Health Occupations and Bloodborne Pathogens Beware of needles! Never recap used needles. Dispose of all needles and sharp objects in sharps container. Use mouthpieces, resuscitation bags, or other ventilation devices as alternative to mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. A patient who contaminates the environment should be in a private room or relatively isolated area. The AIDS Patient Sometimes treated as outcasts Healthcare worker should be supportive Use of gloves for normal patient contact is not necessary