Ch. 7.9 Key Terms
Cisterna Chyli
A small sac- or bag-like chamber at the base of the thoracic duct that collects lymph (especially fat-filled lymph from the intestines) from the lower body and intestines.
Immunity
The body's ability to protect itself from harmful germs, like viruses or bacteria, and the diseases they cause.
Lacteals:
Tiny, special lymphatic vessels inside the small intestine that are responsible for absorbing fats and fat-soluble vitamins from the food you eat.
Lymph:
A clear, watery fluid that flows through the lymphatic system. It contains white blood cells to fight infection and also helps remove waste and excess fluid from tissues.
Lymph Nodes
Small, bean-shaped glands (you can sometimes feel them when they're swollen in your neck or armpits) that filter the lymph fluid, trapping and destroying germs or other harmful substances.
Lymphatic System
The body's "sewerage and security" network. It's a system of vessels and organs (like the spleen, thymus, and tonsils) that moves lymph fluid throughout the body to help maintain fluid balance and fight infections.
Lymphatic Vessels
A network of tubes, similar to blood vessels, that transport lymph fluid throughout the body, collecting it from tissues and returning it to the bloodstream.
Right Lymphatic Duct
One of the two large final drainage tubes. It collects lymph from the right side of the head, neck, chest, and the right arm and drains it back into the blood.
Spleen
An organ located on your upper left side (behind your stomach) that acts as a large filter for your blood. It removes old or damaged blood cells and contains white blood cells that fight infection.
Thoracic Duct
The largest lymphatic vessel in the body. It collects lymph from the entire left side of the body plus the lower right side (including the cisterna chyli) and drains it back into the blood.
Thymus:
A small gland located in the chest, just behind the breastbone. It's most active in children and is where a special type of white blood cell (T-cell) matures to learn how to fight specific infections.
Tonsils
Two clumps of soft tissue at the back of your throat. They are part of the lymphatic system and act as a first line of defense, helping to trap germs that you breathe in or swallow.