Lymphatic System Disorders

Suggested learning activity Case study on disorders of the lymphatic system. Suitable examples include the effect of kwashiorkor on fluid balance and elephantiasis

Oedema Oedema is the condition where tissue fluid accumulates, in the spaces between cells and blood capillaries, causing tissues to swell up Oedema can be caused by high blood pressure, malnutrition and parasites High blood pressure – Can result in tissue fluid being produced at a faster rate than is drained away by the lymphatic system

Kwashiorkor Deficiency of protein can result in the plasma protein being so low that it is the same concentration as the tissue fluid Little or no tissue fluid is returned to the blood by osmosis The lymphatic system is unable to remove the extra fluid It gathers in the abdomen An abdomen swollen in this way is a symptom of Kwashiorkor This condition is a severe form of malnutrition, suffered by young children

Elephantiasis Larvae of a type of parasitic worm are transmitted by mosquitoes They invade the lymphatic system Mature worms block lymph vessels, especially in the legs This obstruction leads to elephantiasis