Anatomy and Physiology
Lymph vessels, ducts, and nodes
 Protects body from infection
 Filters bacterial and nonbacterial
products
 Prevents waste products from entering
circulatory system

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Anatomy and Physiology
Dependent on vascular system
 Lymph is clear fluid

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Anatomy and Physiology

Two divisions of lymph system
 Left lymphatic duct also called thoracic duct
 Right lymphatic duct drains lymph from head,
upper torso, and right arm
 Rest of body drains through left lymphatic duct
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Anatomy and Physiology

Organs related to lymph system are
tonsils, thymus gland, and spleen
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Common Signs and Symptoms
Enlarged lymph glands or nodes, fever,
fatigue, and weight loss
 Most diseases of lymphatic system
related to diseases of other systems
 Lymphocytosis - increased WBCs
 Lymphcytopenia - decreased WBCs
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Diagnostic Tests
CBC with differential
 Lymphangiography - X-ray of lymph
system after dye injection
 MRI
 CT
 Biopsy of lymph nodes
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Common Diseases of the
Lymphatic System

Lymphadenitis - inflammation of lymph
glands characterized by swelling, pain,
and tenderness
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Common Diseases of the
Lymphatic System

Lymphangiitis - swelling of the lymph
vessels due to inflammation caused by
strep infections following a trauma
 Characterized by red streak at bacterial
entry extending to area of lymph node
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Common Diseases of the
Lymphatic System

Lymphangiitis
 Other symptoms: fever, chills, malaise,
cellulitis
 Treatment: antibiotics; warm, moist packs;
and elevation of affected area
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Common Diseases of the
Lymphatic System

Lymphedema
 Abnormal collection of lymph fluid in
extremities
 Diagnosis confirmed by lymphangiography
 Treatment includes antibiotics or surgical
intervention depending on cause
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Common Diseases of the
Lymphatic System

Lymphoma
 Neoplasms affecting lymphoid tissue
 Affects normal lymphocyte production
leading to impaired immunity
 Symptoms: night sweats, fever, weight loss
 Treatment may include chemotherapy,
radiation, bone marrow transplantation
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Common Diseases of the
Lymphatic System

Mononucleosis
 Viral infection
 Somewhat contagious
 “Kissing disease”
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Rare Diseases
Kawasaki Disease
 Mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome

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Rare Diseases
Kawasaki Disease
 Symptoms

 Rash similar to scarlet fever
 Edema of feet and hands
 Lethargy, congestion
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Rare Diseases
Kawasaki Disease
 Symptoms

 Irritability and fever
 Dry skin
 Red lips, tongue, and mucous membrane

Treatment is supportive
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