1. Level 3 BTEC Applied Science Unit 8: Physiology of Human Body Systems Part B:The Lymphatic System

2. Assignment 8B The Lymphatic System
Criteria covered by this task:
Unit/Criteria reference
To achieve the criteria, you must show that you are able to:
B. D2
Evaluate the effect of corrective treatment(s) for a disorder of the lymphatic system.
B. M2
Explain the physiological reasoning for corrective treatment(s) associated with the disorder of the lymphatic system.
B. P4
Describe the effect of disorder on the lymphatic system and possible corrective treatment(s).
B. P3
Describe the gross anatomy and function of the organs of the lymphatic system.

3. Background Theory
“Understand the impact of disorders on the physiology of the lymphatic system and the associated corrective treatments”
B1 Structure of the lymphatic system
B2 Function of the lymphatic system
B3 Health matters and treatments related to the lymphatic system

4. B1 Structure of the lymphatic system
“Composition and location of component parts.”

5. Composition and location of component parts
Spleen
Thymus gland
Tonsils
Lymph glands
Lymph vessels

10. Spleen

11. Spleen
It fights any invading germs in the blood (the spleen contains infection-fighting white blood cells)
It controls the level of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets (platelets are small cells that form blood clots)
It screens the blood and removes any old or damaged red blood cells

14. Thymus Gland
Promotes the development of T Lymphocytes

16. Tonsils
A pair of soft tissue masses located at the rear of the throat (pharynx).
Each tonsil is composed of tissue similar to lymph nodes
It is thought that they help form antibodies, particularly in the first few years of life

17. Lymph glands (lymph nodes)

19. Lymph Glands (Lymph Nodes)
Filters lymph fluid
Production of lymphocytes
Site of action of macrophages

20. Lymph Vessels (Lymphatic vessels)

22. Lymph vessels
Drains tissue (interstitial) fluid from capillaries eventually back to the blood in veins
Tissue fluid goes via the lymph nodes
Helps transport fats from the digestive system to the blood

23. B2 Function of the lymphatic system
“Location, processes, structures involved and importance of each function.”

24. Location, processes, structures involved and importance of each function
Formation and transport of lymphocytes and lymph
Removal of interstitial fluid from tissues
Maintenance of hydrostatic pressure
Absorption of fats from the digestive system

25. Formation of Lymphocytes
Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell (leucocyte)
They recognise antigen molecules on the surface of pathogens and coordinate the immune response

27. Removal of interstitial fluid from tissues

28. Maintenance of hydrostatic pressure

29. Absorption of fats from the digestive system

31. B3 Health matters and treatments related to the lymphatic system
“Symptoms, treatment and physiological reasoning behind treatment for disruption or dysfunction of the lymphatic system.”

32. Symptoms, treatment and physiological reasoning behind treatment for disruption or dysfunction of the lymphatic system, to include:
lymphadenitis
lymphedema
Hodgkin’s lymphoma

33. lymphadenitis Swollen lymph node/s (lymph glands)
Lymph glands swell as part of the body’s response to infection
Often a result of an infection eg wound

34. Lymphadenitis Often gets better without treatment
Rest, fluids, and warm heat applied to the abdomen may also help relieve symptoms
Also treatment for the cause of the inflammation eg. antibiotics

35. lymphedema
Abnormal development of the lymphatic system, damage to it, and/or an increase in fluid in the body tissues can all lead to lymphoedema
Most commonly in the arm or leg, but it also may occur in other parts of the body

36. Treatment of Lymphedema
There is no cure for lymphoedema, but it is usually possible to control the main symptoms using techniques to minimise fluid build-up and stimulate the flow of fluid through the lymphatic system.
These include wearing compression garments, taking good care of your skin, moving and exercising regularly, having a healthy diet and lifestyle, and using specialised massage techniques.

37. Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Hodgkin lymphoma is an uncommon cancer that develops in the lymphatic system
B-lymphocytes start to multiply in an abnormal way and begin to collect in certain parts of the lymphatic system, such as the lymph nodes (glands).
The affected lymphocytes lose their infection-fighting properties, making you more vulnerable to infection.

38. Treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma
The main treatments used are chemotherapy, followed by radiotherapy.
Surgery isn't generally used as a treatment for the condition.

39. Assignment 8B The Lymphatic System
Criteria covered by this task:
Unit/Criteria reference
To achieve the criteria, you must show that you are able to:
B. D2
Evaluate the effect of corrective treatment(s) for a disorder of the lymphatic system.
B. M2
Explain the physiological reasoning for corrective treatment(s) associated with the disorder of the lymphatic system.
B. P4
Describe the effect of disorder on the lymphatic system and possible corrective treatment(s).
B. P3
Describe the gross anatomy and function of the organs of the lymphatic system.

40. ASSIGNMENT (i)
Hodgkin Lymphoma and Lymphatic Filariasis are amongst the many conditions being researched by the medical professionals employed at your work placement. Your patient case study will focus on just one of these disorders.

41. ASSIGNMENT (ii) Your patient case study must include:
An evaluation and description of the effects of a single lymphatic disorder of your choice and include an evaluation and description of the corrective treatment(s) associated with the disorder.
A detailed explanation of the physiological reasoning behind the treatments prescribed in an attempt to correct the disorder you have chosen must be included. (For example, in the treatment of certain lymphatic diseases, some patients will receive both chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments whilst others receive only chemotherapy. Even then, the combination of drugs used will vary in consideration of different factors related to the patient and the disease stage.) In choosing treatment methods, medical professionals will need to take into account the likely benefits to the patient and the potential risks and problems the prescribed treatment(s) may bring. Include these factors in your report.

42. ASSIGNMENT (iii)
To assist your evaluation, you must include and refer to:
A diagram of the anatomy of the lymphatic system which you have labelled. A description of how each of the structures included in, or associated with, the lymphatic system work in the healthy state. (As a minimum you must include the following primary and secondary lymphoid organs; lymph vessels, lymph nodes (axillary and supratrochlear, abdominal, inguinal, and popliteal), valves, thymus, tonsils, lacteals and spleen.)
A description of the formation of lymph and its role in body defence mechanisms. A description of how the normal functioning of the lymphatic system is impaired in the diseased state.

43. ASSIGNMENT (iv)
A portfolio of evidence relating to the lymphatic system which contains:
a patient case study evaluating the effect of corrective treatments on a named lymphatic disorder and the reasons behind the choice of treatments including benefits and problems.
signs and symptoms of the chosen disorder in conjunction with the effects of the disorder on normal lymphatic function.
A diagram illustrating the anatomy of the lymphatic system.
A detailed description of normal lymphatic functions.

44. Sources of information must be appropriately referenced.
Correct scientific terminology must be used.

45. Essential information for assessment decisions: pass standard
Learners must describe the gross anatomy of the organs and associated structures that form the lymphatic system. Learners must label (for themselves) each structure of the lymphatic system and describe, in brief, the role it plays in the system. Learners will describe how lymph is formed and its role in the health of the body.
Learners will also briefly describe a named disorder and its effect on the normal function of the lymphatic system, including the symptoms present in the human body and give an overview of the corrective treatment(s) associated with the disorder

46. Essential information for assessment decisions: merit standard
Learners will demonstrate detailed understanding of the anatomy and function of the lymphatic system, using correct scientific terminology to explain the rationale for use of corrective treatment for the effects of a named disorder of the lymphatic system.
Learners will give detailed explanations of the disorder affecting the normal functioning of the lymphatic system and the associated corrective treatment.

47. Essential information for assessment decisions: distinction standard
learners must base their evaluation on one named disorder. They will analyse the effect of the disease on the lymphatic system, the normal functioning of which will be explicitly explained. The implications of the disease on the health status of an individual suffering from the disorder will be addressed within the context of a patient case study.
Learners will evaluate the physiological basis of any treatment and discuss the impact of this on the restoration of normal lymphatic function. This will include benefits and problems faced by medical professionals when using corrective treatments. They will use correct scientific terminology throughout.