Ch. 7.9 Key Terms
Cisterna chyli
A sac-like chamber at the beginning of the thoracic duct that receives lymph from the lower body and intestines.
Immunity
The state of being resistant to a particular infection, disease, or pathogen, an integrated partnership involving the lymphatic system, lymphoid organs, and specialized cells.
Lacteals
Specialized lymphatic capillaries in the villi of the small intestine that absorb dietary fats and fat-soluble vitamins, producing a milky fluid called chyle
Lymph
The fluid that flows through the lymphatic vessels, carrying metabolic waste, toxins, dead cells, and excess proteins back to the bloodstream.
Lymph nodes
Small, bean-shaped organs that act as filters for foreign particles and pathogens, containing lymphocytes (B and T cells) crucial for immune responses.
Lymphatic system
A network of vessels, nodes, and organs that returns excess interstitial fluid to the bloodstream, aids in immune surveillance, and absorbs fats from the digestive system.
Lymphatic vessels
Thin-walled channels that carry lymph throughout the body, equipped with one-way valves to ensure flow toward the heart
Right lymphatic duct
A lymphatic duct that drains lymph from the right upper quadrant of the body (right side of the head, thorax, and right upper limb) into the right subclavian vein.
Spleen
A lymphoid organ that filters blood, removes old red blood cells, and houses immune cells.
Thoracic duct
The larger of the two main lymph ducts, draining lymph from most of the body into the left subclavian vein.
Thymus
A primary lymphoid organ located in the chest where T-cells (a type of lymphocyte critical for adaptive immunity) mature.
Tonsils
A set of lymphoid organs (part of Waldeyer's ring) located in the aerodigestive tract that play an important role in the immune system.