1. Lymphatic System
Health Science I

2. Structures of Lymphatic System
Lymph Fluid
Lymphatic Vessels
Lymph Nodes
Tonsils
Spleen
Thymus

3. Lymph Fluid go-between for capillaries and tissue
Straw colored similar to plasma
AKA Interstitial fluid
Composed of H2O, lymphocytes, some granulocytes, O2, digested nutrients, hormones, salts, CO2 and urea
Doesn’t contain RBC’s or protein

4. 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 fluid
Valves prevent back flow

5. Lymph Vessels Accompany and closely parallel veins
Located 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 lymphatics
Thoracic duct aka left lymphatic duct
Right lymphatic duct
Flows in one direction, toward the heart

7. Lymphatic Ducts
Thoracic 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

9. Lymph Nodes
Tiny oval shaped structures ranging from pinhead to almond size
Located alone or in groups
Site for lymphocyte production and filtering harmful substances (bacteria or cancer cells)
If substance can’t be destroyed, node becomes inflamed---called adenitis

10. Pg 291

11. Tonsils- get smaller with age
Masses of lymphatic tissue that produce lymphocytes and filter bacteria, shrink as we age
Three pairs of tonsils
Palatine- sides the soft palate
Adenoids- upper part of the throat
Lingual- back of the tongue

13. Spleen Sac-like mass of lymphatic tissue
Located in the LUQ just below diaphragm
Forms lymphocytes and monocytes
Stores large amounts of RBC’s
During excessive bleeding spleen contracts releasing RBC’s into circulation
Destroys and removes old RBC’s

14. Thymus Located in upper anterior part of the thorax above the heart
Produces lymphocytes
Also considered an endocrine gland because it secretes a hormone to produce lymph cells

16. Functions of the Lymphatic System
Fluid balance
Filtration
Lymphocyte production
Immunity

17. Fluid Balance
Transports excess tissue fluid back into circulatory system
Why is this important? To get rid of the fluid to prevent life-threatening
conditions.
Fluid IN
Fluid
OUT

18. Filtration Occurs in lymph nodes
Filters out bacteria, cancer cells, viruses etc.
How does filtration affect the lymphatic system?
to detect and remove bacteria
filtration removes excess
fluid.

19. Lymphocyte Production
Occurs in the spleen, thymus and nodes
Lymphocytes help the body fight against disease and germs
A type of WBC that synthesizes and releases antibodies
Why is this important to our health? Protection for the body.

20. Immunity The body’s ability to resist bacterial invasion and disease
2 types of immunity
Natural- at birth, inherited and permanent
Ex- unbroken skin, local inflammation, mucus, tears, blood phagocytes
Acquired-body’s reaction to invaders

21. Immunity con’t Acquired 2 types
Passive acquired immunity- borrowed immunity
Babies get this from mothers at birth
Exposure to a virus
Last 3-5 weeks, temporary protection
Active acquired immunity- last a lifetime
Natural acquired- having a disease and recovering (chickenpox)
Artificial acquired- immunizations and vaccines (MMR)

22. Immunity
IMMUNIZATION – increasing resistance to particular diseases by artificial or natural means
Vaccination- Antigen injected into a person to stimulate production of antibodies
Antigen may be dead or weakened bacteria, virus or toxin

23. Disorders of the Lymphatic System
Lymphadenitis
Cancer
Anaphylactic shock
HIV/AIDS
Hodgkin’s disease
Infectious mononucleosis
Lymphedema
Tonsillitis
Lupus erythematous
Scleroderma

24. Incubation period
Time interval between entry of infection and onset of symptoms

25. Lymphadenitis Enlargement of the lymph node
Occurs when the body is fighting infection
Referred to as “swollen glands”

26. Cancer and Hodgkin’s disease
Cancer cells can be in lymph nodes, HCW must be aware potential problems
Hodgkin’s- form of cancer in lymph nodes
Symptoms painless swelling
Treatment- radiation and chemotherapy
Prognosis is good

27. Anaphylactic shock Severe or fatal allergic reaction
Allergen- an antigen that causes allergic response
Hypersensitivity abnormal response to a drug or allergen
Antigen/antibody reaction causes massive secretion of histamine
Symptoms include breathing problems, headache, facial swelling, drop in BP, stomach cramps and vomiting
Treatment or antidote is adrenaline or antihistamine
Prognosis is good with proper and early treatment
Always ask patients if they have allergies to food or drugs

28. Tonsillitis Infected and enlarged tonsils
Symptoms are difficulty swallowing, severe sore throat, elevated temperature and chills
Treatment is to cure infection
Surgery is done only in extreme cases
Tonsilectomy

29. Lymphedema Swelling due to a blockage of the lymph passages
Causes are radiation, surgery, tumors, and mastectomy
Symptom is swelling
Treatment is to wrap affected area, lymph drainage and ROM(range of motion) exercises
Prognosis is ok lymphedema is a lifelong disease

30. Infectious Mononucleosis
AKA “mono” or “the kissing disease” because it is spread by oral contact and Epstein-Barr virus
Affects young children and adults
Symptoms are enlarged lymph nodes, fever, fatigue, high leukocyte count
Treat symptoms (virus so no cure), bedrest and fluids

31. Lupus Erythematous
Autoimmune disease that can be from family predisposition, viruses or even sunlight
Symptoms are fatigue, rashes and joint pain; in severe cases the body attacks it’s organs
Treatment is anti-inflammatory medication and symptom control
There is no cure
Seal, Michael Jackson and Nick Cannon have lupus

32. Scleroderma Thickening of the skin and blood vessels
Symptoms are Raynaud’s (spasm of finger and toe blood vessels), changes in skin color, pain
Will result in loss of movement and dyspnea
NO cure
Treatment is to manage symptoms

33. HIV/AIDS Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Human immunodeficiency virus
AIDS suppresses the natural immune defense system
HIV causes AIDS
People with AIDS can’t fight infections and cancers

34. HIV/AIDS Three responses to HIV infection: Transmission by:
Sex with someone who is HIV positive
Sharing needles with infected IV drug users
At birth from infected mother
Three responses to HIV infection:
AIDS
ARC (AIDS-related complex)
Asymptomatic infection-has HIV but no symptoms

35. Symptoms of AIDS Prolonged fatigue Persistent fevers or night sweats
Persistent, unexplained cough
Thick coating in throat or on tongue
Easy bruising, unexplained bleeding
Appearance of purple lesions on mucous membranes or skin that don’t go away
Chronic diarrhea
Shortness of breath
Unexplained lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes)
Unexplained weight loss, 10 pounds or more, in less than 2 months
Incubation period is 1 month to 12 years

36. HIV/AIDS
Screening
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is an AIDS indicator
Western Blot test is used after positive ELISA
Opportunistic infections- a healthy person would fight off these infections, but a person with AIDS has a compromised immune response. Ex. pneumonia

37. HIV/AIDS Cannot be spread by: The AIDS Patient Casual contact
Through air, feces, food, urine or water
Coughing, sneezing, embracing, shaking hands and sharing eating utensils
The AIDS Patient
 Sometimes treated as outcasts
Healthcare worker should be supportive
Use of gloves for normal patient contact is not necessary

38. 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

39. Prevent the Spread of HIV/AIDS
Avoid risky behavior
Protected sex
Do Not share needles or syringes
Clean soiled clothes, surfaces with soap and hot water
Cover open cut, sore, or wound
Use standard precaution

40. Standard Precautions Guidelines to use 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 and between patient contact
Use a plain (non-antimicrobial) soap for minimum 10 seconds
Gloves, gown, mask/eyeshield (when appropriate) and separate equipment

41. Standard Precautions
Gloves – 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.