Allied Health Science One Mrs. Lewis Lymphatic System Allied Health Science One Mrs. Lewis

Lymphatic System The lymphatic system acts as a supplement to the circulatory system. It is not technically an organ of the circulatory system but these two systems work very closely together. The structures of the lymphatic system are: lymph, lymph nodes, lymph vessels, the spleen, the thymus gland, lymphoid tissue in the intestinal tract, and the tonsils.

Lymph Lymph is the intercellular , interstitial fluid or tissue fluid that bathes and surrounds spaces b/w the cells. It is very similar in composition to blood plasma. It is made up of H20, lymphocytes, some granulocytes, oxygen, digested nutrients, hormones, salts, C02 and urea. It carries digested food, oxygen, and hormones to the cells therefore acting as an intermediary b/w blood in the capillaries and the tissues. The lymphatic system helps the lymph move along by contracting of the skeletal muscles against the lymph vessels surges the lymph along or forward into larger vessels. There is no backflow of fluid due to the valves.

Lymph Vessels These are pathways for the lymph in the body. They accompany the veins. They are located in almost all of the tissues and organs that have blood vessels (not found in cuticle, nails or hair). They are also not located in cartilage, central nervous system, epidermis, eyeball, the inner ear, or the spleen. The lymph in the tissues joins into small lymph vessels and these join in to larger lymph vessels called the Lymphatics. Theses continue to join into larger and larger vessels and eventually join into main Lymphatics.

Lymph Vessels continued… These are called: Thoracic ducts, also called the left lymphatic duct, receive lymph from the left side of the chest, head, neck, abdominal area and lower limbs. Lymph in this duct is carried to the L subclavian vein. This is how digested nutrients and other materials can return to the systemic or general circulation. Right lymphatic duct is the other large main lymph vessel. This side drains lymph into the superior vena cava. The lymphatic system does not form a closed circuit route like the circulatory system. It flows from the body organs to the heart. It doesn’t flow continually through the blood vessels.

Lymph Nodes These are tiny, oval shaped structures ranging from size of a pinhead to that of an almond. They can be palpated at times throughout the body. Their function is to provide a place for lymphocyte production and to serve as a filter for screening out harmful substances (such as bacteria or cancer cells) from the lymph. Adenitis and lymphadenitis is when the lymph node becomes inflamed, swollen, and palpable.

Lymph Nodes continued… When you seek a professional with lymph node problems they check the axillary nodes as they are located under the arm in the axilla area and in breast cancer patients will entrap cancer cells that have been filtered out of the lymph that flows from the breast area.

Thymus Gland The thymus gland produces lymphocytes. It is located in the upper anterior part of the chest or thorax, above the heart. The lymphocytes that are produced by the thymus gland are called T-lymphocytes. The thymus gland is made up of lymphatic tissue and is considered part of the lymphatic system and it is also considered an endocrine gland because it secretes a hormone called thymosin and this hormone stimulates the production of lymphoid cells.

Spleen The spleen in located in the left upper quadrant of the abdominal cavity and lies beneath the diaphragm. It is a sac-like mass of lymphatic tissue and is the largest organ of the lymphatic system. The spleen stores large amount of red blood cells.

Tonsils There are three pairs of tonsils: Most common ones are the palantine tonsils that are located on the sides of the soft palate. The ones that are located in the upper part of the throat are called adenoids. The third pairs are located at the back of the tongue. Tonsils are masses of lymphatic tissues and produce lymphocytes and filter bacteria. During childhood the tonsils frequently become infected, enlarged, and cause difficulty in swallowing,very sore throat, elevated temperature, and chills. This condition is called tonsillitis.

Functions of the Lymphatic System Lymph fluid acts as an intermediary between the blood in the capillaries and the tissue. It is straw- colored and is similar in composition to blood plasma. Lymph vessels transport the excess tissue fluid back into the circulatory system. They form an extensive network throughout the body. Lymph nodes produce lymphocytes and filter out harmful bacteria.

Functions of the Lymphatic System continued… Spleen Produces lymphocytes and monocytes Acts as a reservoir for blood in case of emergency. Works as a recycling plant, destroying and removing old red blood cells, preserving the hemoglobin. Thymus gland produces T-lymphocytes necessary for the immune system. Tonsils produce lymphocytes and filter bacteria.

Functions of the Lymphatic System continued… Immunity is the body’s ability to resist invaders and the diseases they cause. There are two general types of immunity: Natural Immunity is our own natural immunity that we are born with. It is inherited and is permanent. Acquired Immunity is the reaction that occurs as a result of exposure to the invaders. This immunity develops during an individual’s lifetime. It may be passive or active.

Functions of the Lymphatic System continued… Passive Acquired Immunity is referred to as the borrowed immunity. This immunity occurs as a result of injecting antibodies from the blood if another person or animal. Babies get receive this immunity from their mothers breast milk. Active Acquired Immunity is preferred over the passive acquired immunity as it lasts longer. There are two types of active acquired immunity: natural acquired immunity and artificial acquired immunity.

Functions of the Lymphatic System continued Natural Acquired Immunity is the type of immune that results of having had and recovering from the disease. Example if a child gets the chickenpox they will probably not get the disease again. Artificial Acquired Immunity occurs from being inoculated with a suitable vaccine, anitgen, or toxoid. For example; a child can be inoculated from measles and mumps, etc. by giving the child a very mild form of the disease and the child build up antibodies to fight it.

Functions of the Lymphatic System continued Immunization is the process of increasing an individual’s resistance to a particular infection by artificial means. An antigen is a substance that is injected to stimulate production of antibodies. Examples of antigens are toxins produced by bacteria, dead or weakened bacteria, viruses and foreign proteins. Immunoglobulin is a protein that functions specifically as an antibody. There are five classes of immunoglobulins: Immunoglobulin G( IgG), and the others IgM, IgA, IgD, and IgE.

Functions of the Lymphatic System continued Autoimmunity is when the individual’s immune system doesn’t function normally or follows a different course or pattern. It forms antibodies to its own tissues which destroy these tissues and this is known as autoimmune disorder.

Common Lymphatic Disorders Hypersensitivity occurs when your immune system doesn’t protect you against foreign material. Allergen is an antigen that causes allergic responses. Examples of allergens include grass, ragweed pollen, ingested food, penicillin and other antibiotics, and bee and wasp stings. A very serious allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock. This can be fatal if not treated quickly. Symptoms include breathing problems, headache, facial swelling, falling blood pressure, stomach cramps, and vomiting. If you have allergens you should wear a Med-Alert tag on the neck or wrist.

AIDS The discovery of AIDS in 1981. People who have AIDS have a suppressed immune system. You can contract pneumonia. Homosexual men are more likely to obtain this disease. The most common name is HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Disorders. AIDS is a disease that suppressed the body’s natural immune system.

AIDS A-Acquired- this disease isn’t inherited or caused by any form of medication. I-Immuno- refers to the body’s natural defenses against cancer, disease, and infections. D-Deficiency- lacking in cellular immunity S-Syndrome- the set of diseases or conditions that are present to signal the diagnosis.

AIDS AIDS- Related Complex (ARC) is when an individual can contract the HIV virus and develop other conditions, but not AIDS itself. Symptoms range from chronic diarrhea, to chronic lymphadenopathy, to unexplained weight loss. Transmission of AIDS Sexual intercourse where semen enters the body (75% of people have AIDS contract it through sexual intercourse). Sharing hypodermic needles among IV drug users where infected blood is injected into the body. In utero or at birth from an infected mother to her unborn or newborn infant.

Common Lymphatic Disorders Continued… Hodgkin’s Disease is the form of cancer in the lymph nodes. The most common early symptom is painless swelling of the lymph nodes. Treatment of Hodgkin’s disease is chemotherapy and radiation with very good results. Epstein-Barr Virus is infectious mononucleosis. It is spread by oral contact and is frequently called the “kissing disease” or “mono”. Symptoms are enlarged lymph nodes, fever, physical and mental fatigue.

Standard Precautions These are guidelines that are to be used during routine patient care and cleaning duties. If you expect to have contact with blood or any body fluid with the exception of sweat, mucous membrane, and non-intact skin, standard precautions should be used.

Standard Precautions continued… Hand-washing is the single most effective way to prevent infection. Always wash hands after touching blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions, and contaminated items, whether or not gloves are worn. Wash hands for a minimum of fifteen seconds.

Standard Precautions continued… Gloves Always wear gloves when touching blood, body fluid secretions, excretions and contaminated items. Put on clean gloves just before touching mucous membranes and non-intact skin. Remove gloves after use and wash hands.

Standard Precautions continued… Mask, Eye Protection, and Face Shield Any procedures that would generate any possible splashes or sprays of blood, body fluids, secretions, or excretions, a mask and eye protector or face shield should be worn to protect the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, or mouth.

Standard Precautions continued… Gowns should be worn to protect skin and clothing. Always remove the soiled gown and do not touch anything else with it. Place it in soiled utility. Patient Care Equipment- be sure reusable equipment is properly cleaned before it is passed to another patient. Single used items should be discarded properly. Linens- should be properly disposed of in soiled utility so as to not touch any fluids on anything.

Standard Precautions continued… Occupational Health and Bloodbourne Pathogens Prevent injuries with needles, scalpels, and other sharp instruments or devices when handling these in the hospital. Caution: never recap used needles or any use technique that involves direction the point of the needle toward any part of the body. Always put needles in the sharp objects container. Use mouthpieces , and resuscitation bags, or other ventilation methods in areas where there is need for resuscitation.

Health Care Worker and the AIDS patient. It is important that the health care worker does not treat the AIDS patient as an outcast. Wearing gloves for all patient care is not necessary. In fact, the use of gloves for every normal patient contact is not recommended. Wearing gloves for all care sends a negative message to the patient. It implies that the patient is unclean.

The End!!!