25.1 Anatomy of the Circulatory and Lymphatic Systems
4 min read•june 18, 2024
The circulatory and lymphatic systems work together to keep us healthy. transport oxygen and nutrients, while remove waste and fight infections. These systems are usually microbe-free, thanks to constant flow and immune defenses.
When pathogens sneak in, they can cause serious problems. Infections in the or lead to fever, swelling, and organ damage. Keeping these systems healthy is crucial for our overall well-being and fighting off diseases.
Anatomy and Function of the Circulatory and Lymphatic Systems
Components of circulatory and lymphatic systems
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- consists of the , blood vessels (, , ), and blood
- has four chambers (right , right , left atrium, left ventricle) that pump blood through the body
- Arteries carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to tissues and organs
- Veins carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart from tissues and organs
- Capillaries are small, thin-walled vessels that enable exchange of nutrients, gases, and waste between blood and tissues
- Blood is composed of (liquid component) and cellular components ( for oxygen transport, for immune defense, for clotting)
- includes lymphatic vessels, , and (, , , )
- Lymphatic vessels collect and transport (clear, colorless fluid derived from interstitial fluid) throughout the body
- nodes are small, bean-shaped structures that filter lymph and house immune cells () to defend against pathogens
- filters blood, removes old or damaged red blood cells, and stores platelets
- is the site of maturation and development of adaptive immunity
- Tonsils and adenoids are strategically located to trap pathogens entering through the nose and mouth
Blood and Lymph Formation
- : The process of blood cell formation in bone marrow
- : The production and development of lymphocytes in lymphoid organs
- These processes are crucial for maintaining the cellular components of blood and lymph
Absence of normal microbiota
- Circulatory system (blood) is generally sterile due to several factors
- Blood lacks sufficient nutrients to support microbial growth
- Immune cells () and antibodies in blood constantly patrol and eliminate invading microbes
- Constant flow of blood prevents microbes from adhering to vessel walls and establishing colonies
- (lymph) is typically sterile because
- Lymph originates from interstitial fluid, which is low in nutrients and unable to support significant microbial growth
- Lymph nodes act as filters, trapping and destroying microorganisms as lymph passes through
- One-way valves in lymphatic vessels prevent backflow and entry of microbes from surrounding tissues
Pathogen evasion of system defenses
- Circulatory system defenses can be bypassed by pathogens through various mechanisms
- Direct entry into the bloodstream through wounds, cuts, or medical devices (catheters, intravenous lines)
- Spread from nearby infected tissues (dental infections, abscesses) into the bloodstream
- Intracellular pathogens (viruses, some bacteria) can hide within host cells, evading immune detection
- Lymphatic system defenses can be evaded by pathogens
- Pathogens can enter the lymphatic system via interstitial fluid and be transported to lymph nodes
- Some pathogens have evolved to survive and replicate within lymph nodes, despite the presence of immune cells
- Compromised immune function (HIV/AIDS, immunosuppressive drugs) reduces the effectiveness of lymphatic defenses against pathogens
Symptoms of circulatory and lymphatic infections
- Circulatory system infections (, ) can cause
- High fever and chills due to systemic inflammatory response
- Rapid heart rate () and breathing () as the body attempts to compensate for the infection
- Low blood pressure () resulting from vasodilation and decreased cardiac output
- Confusion or altered mental state due to reduced blood flow to the brain
- Organ dysfunction (kidney failure, dysfunction) as a result of inadequate perfusion and direct damage from pathogens and inflammatory mediators
- Disruption of , affecting blood flow and pressure throughout the body
- Lymphatic system infections (, ) can lead to
- Swollen, tender, or painful lymph nodes as they become inflamed and filled with immune cells fighting the infection
- Redness or streaking along the path of lymphatic vessels () as the infection spreads
- Fever as a systemic response to the infection
- Fatigue due to the body's increased energy expenditure in fighting the infection
- Localized skin infections () in areas drained by the affected lymphatic vessels
Vascular Health and Homeostasis
- plays a crucial role in maintaining blood vessel health and regulating blood flow
- of the circulatory system is essential for proper organ function and overall health
- , the formation of blood clots within blood vessels, can disrupt normal blood flow and lead to serious complications
Key Terms to Review (73)
Adenoids: Adenoids, also known as the pharyngeal tonsils, are small pads of lymphoid tissue located at the back of the nasal cavity, above the soft palate. They are part of the body's lymphatic system and play a role in immune function, particularly in young children.
Anaplasma phagocytophilum: Anaplasma phagocytophilum is a gram-negative bacterium that infects white blood cells and is the causative agent of anaplasmosis. It is primarily transmitted to humans through tick bites.
Antisepsis: Antisepsis is the practice of using chemical agents to eliminate or inhibit pathogenic microorganisms on living tissues, particularly skin and mucous membranes. It is a crucial procedure in preventing infections during medical procedures.
Arteries: Arteries are the blood vessels responsible for transporting oxygenated blood away from the heart to the rest of the body. They play a crucial role in the circulatory system, ensuring the efficient delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues throughout the body.
Artery: An artery is a blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood away from the heart to the body's tissues. Arteries have thick, muscular walls to withstand high pressure.
Atrium: The atrium is a key anatomical structure within the circulatory system, specifically the heart. It is one of the upper chambers of the heart that receives blood flow from the body or the lungs, before passing it on to the lower chambers, the ventricles, for pumping to the lungs or the body.
Bacterial endocarditis: Bacterial endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart, typically involving the heart valves. It occurs when bacteria from another part of the body enter the bloodstream and attach to damaged areas of the heart.
Blood: Blood is a vital bodily fluid that circulates throughout the body, transporting essential nutrients, gases, and other important substances to cells and tissues. It plays a crucial role in the functioning of the circulatory and lymphatic systems, which are essential for maintaining homeostasis and overall health.
Blood Vessels: Blood vessels are the network of tubes that transport blood throughout the body, delivering oxygen, nutrients, and other essential substances to cells and removing waste products. They are a critical component of the circulatory system, which plays a vital role in maintaining homeostasis and supporting various physiological processes.
Bubo: A bubo is a swollen, inflamed lymph node often caused by bacterial infections such as Yersinia pestis in bubonic plague. It typically appears in the groin, armpit, or neck.
Capillaries: Capillaries are the smallest and most numerous blood vessels in the body, forming a network that connects the arteries and veins. They play a crucial role in the circulatory and lymphatic systems by facilitating the exchange of nutrients, gases, and waste products between the blood and body tissues.
Capillary: A capillary is a small blood vessel where gas, nutrient, and waste exchange occurs between blood and tissues. It connects arterioles and venules.
Cardiovascular System: The cardiovascular system is a complex network of organs and vessels responsible for circulating blood, oxygen, and nutrients throughout the body. It is a vital component of the body's circulatory system, working in tandem with the lymphatic system to maintain homeostasis and support overall health.
Cellulitis: Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissues characterized by redness, swelling, warmth, and pain. It commonly affects the lower legs but can occur anywhere on the body.
Cellulitis: Cellulitis is a potentially serious bacterial skin infection that typically occurs when bacteria, often Streptococcus or Staphylococcus, enter the skin through a cut, scratch, or other break in the skin. It can cause redness, swelling, warmth, and pain in the affected area, and if left untreated, can spread to the bloodstream and other tissues.
This term is particularly relevant to the topics of 21.1 Anatomy and Normal Microbiota of the Skin and Eyes, 21.2 Bacterial Infections of the Skin and Eyes, and 25.1 Anatomy of the Circulatory and Lymphatic Systems, as cellulitis involves the skin, eyes, and can spread through the circulatory and lymphatic systems.
Circulatory system: The circulatory system is a network of organs and vessels responsible for the flow of blood, nutrients, hormones, oxygen, and other gases to and from cells. It includes the heart, blood, and blood vessels.
Edema: Edema is the abnormal accumulation of fluid in interstitial tissues, leading to swelling. It can be caused by various factors, including infections that affect the circulatory and lymphatic systems.
Endocarditis: Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves. It is often caused by bacteria entering the bloodstream and attaching to damaged areas of the heart.
Endocarditis: Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart, known as the endocardium. It can involve the heart valves, the lining of the heart chambers, or both, and is a serious condition that requires prompt medical treatment.
Heart: The heart is a muscular organ responsible for pumping blood throughout the body via the circulatory system. It supplies oxygen and nutrients to tissues and removes carbon dioxide and other wastes.
Heart: The heart is a vital muscular organ that acts as the central pump of the circulatory system, responsible for circulating blood throughout the body. It is a complex structure that plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis and supporting various physiological processes.
Hematopoiesis: Hematopoiesis is the process by which all blood cells are produced from hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow. It is essential for maintaining the body's immune and circulatory systems.
Hematopoiesis: Hematopoiesis is the process by which blood cells are formed and renewed in the body. It is a crucial component of both the cellular defenses and the circulatory and lymphatic systems, as it ensures the continuous production of various blood cell types essential for maintaining health and fighting infection.
Hemodynamics: Hemodynamics refers to the study of the physical and mechanical properties of blood flow and circulation within the cardiovascular system. It encompasses the dynamics of how blood is propelled through the body's blood vessels and the factors that influence this movement.
Homeostasis: Homeostasis is the process by which living organisms, including cells, maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions. It is a fundamental principle that ensures the proper functioning and survival of biological systems.
Hypotension: Hypotension is a medical condition characterized by abnormally low blood pressure, where the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries is significantly reduced. This can have significant implications for the proper functioning of the circulatory and lymphatic systems.
Inflammation: Inflammation is the body's immediate response to injury or infection, characterized by redness, heat, swelling, and pain. It aims to eliminate the initial cause of cell injury, clear out damaged cells and tissues, and establish repair.
Ischemia: Ischemia is a condition characterized by reduced blood flow and oxygen supply to tissues, leading to tissue damage. It often results from blockages in the arteries due to conditions like atherosclerosis.
Kidneys: Kidneys are bean-shaped organs located in the back of the abdominal cavity that filter blood to remove waste and excess fluids, forming urine. They also help maintain electrolyte balance and regulate blood pressure.
Leukocytes: Leukocytes, also known as white blood cells, are immune cells that play a critical role in defending the body against infection and disease. They circulate in the blood and migrate to sites of infection or injury.
Leukocytes: Leukocytes, also known as white blood cells, are a vital component of the immune system responsible for defending the body against infections, diseases, and foreign invaders. They circulate throughout the body and play a crucial role in cellular defenses and the anatomy of the circulatory and lymphatic systems.
Liver: The liver is a vital organ responsible for numerous functions including detoxification, protein synthesis, and production of biochemicals necessary for digestion. It plays a key role in metabolizing nutrients and drugs, and helps regulate blood composition.
Lymph: Lymph is a clear fluid that circulates through the lymphatic system, carrying cells that help fight infection and disease. It is composed mainly of white blood cells, especially lymphocytes, and also contains proteins and fats.
Lymph: Lymph is a clear, colorless fluid that circulates throughout the lymphatic system, carrying waste products and other materials away from the body's tissues. It plays a crucial role in the body's immune response and the maintenance of fluid balance.
Lymph nodes: Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures that are part of the lymphatic system. They filter lymph fluid and house immune cells that help fight infection and disease.
Lymph Nodes: Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped organs that are part of the lymphatic system. They act as filters for the lymphatic fluid, trapping and removing waste, pathogens, and other harmful substances from the body, playing a crucial role in the immune response.
Lymphadenitis: Lymphadenitis is the inflammation of the lymph nodes, often caused by infection. It can result from bacterial, viral, or fungal pathogens spreading through the lymphatic system.
Lymphadenitis: Lymphadenitis is the inflammation of one or more lymph nodes, often in response to an infection or other underlying condition. It is a key term related to the anatomy of the circulatory and lymphatic systems, as the lymph nodes are an integral part of the lymphatic system.
Lymphangitis: Lymphangitis is an inflammation of the lymphatic vessels, often caused by bacterial infection. It typically manifests as red streaks on the skin extending from the site of infection toward regional lymph nodes.
Lymphangitis: Lymphangitis is an infection of the lymphatic vessels, which are part of the lymphatic system responsible for transporting lymph fluid, immune cells, and other substances throughout the body. This condition is often associated with bacterial infections and can lead to inflammation and swelling of the affected lymphatic vessels.
Lymphatic system: The lymphatic system is a network of vessels, tissues, and organs that help maintain fluid balance and play essential roles in immune defense. It transports lymph, a fluid containing infection-fighting white blood cells.
Lymphatic System: The lymphatic system is a network of vessels, tissues, and organs that play a crucial role in the body's immune response and the circulation of lymph, a fluid that contains white blood cells. This system works in tandem with the circulatory system to maintain homeostasis and protect the body from infections and diseases.
Lymphatic Vessels: Lymphatic vessels are a network of thin, branching tubes that transport lymph, a fluid containing white blood cells, throughout the body. These vessels play a crucial role in the lymphatic system, which is responsible for immune function and the removal of waste and toxins from the body.
Lymphocytes: Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that play a crucial role in the body's immune response. They are responsible for recognizing and responding to foreign invaders, such as bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, as well as abnormal cells within the body.
Lymphoid Organs: Lymphoid organs are specialized structures within the body that play a crucial role in the immune system. They are responsible for the production, maturation, and storage of lymphocytes, which are the primary cells involved in the body's defense against pathogens and disease.
Lymphopoiesis: Lymphopoiesis is the process of lymphocyte production and development within the lymphoid organs and tissues. It is a crucial component of the body's immune system, responsible for generating the various types of lymphocytes that protect against pathogens and foreign substances.
Myocarditis: Myocarditis is the inflammation of the heart muscle, often caused by viral infections. It can lead to impaired heart function and severe complications if untreated.
Pericarditis: Pericarditis is the inflammation of the pericardium, the double-walled sac containing the heart. It can be caused by infections, including bacterial, viral, and fungal agents.
Petechiae: Petechiae are small, pinpoint red or purple spots on the skin caused by minor bleeding from broken capillaries. They can be a sign of various underlying conditions, including infections affecting the circulatory and lymphatic systems.
Plasma: Plasma is the liquid component of blood that suspends the blood cells and transports various substances throughout the body. It is the largest component of blood and plays a crucial role in both the circulatory and immune systems.
Platelets: Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are small, disc-shaped cell fragments found in the blood that play a crucial role in the body's blood clotting process. They are produced in the bone marrow and released into the bloodstream to help stop bleeding and promote healing.
Primary lymphoid tissue: Primary lymphoid tissue includes the bone marrow and thymus, where lymphocytes (B cells and T cells) are produced and mature. These tissues are crucial for the development of the adaptive immune system.
Red Blood Cells: Red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, are the most abundant type of blood cells in the human body. They are responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs, playing a crucial role in the circulatory system.
Secondary lymphoid tissue: Secondary lymphoid tissues are specialized structures where immune cells interact, become activated, and initiate immune responses. These include lymph nodes, spleen, and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT).
Sepsis: Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by the body's extreme response to an infection, leading to tissue damage, organ failure, and potentially death. It occurs when chemicals released into the bloodstream to fight an infection trigger widespread inflammation.
Sepsis: Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that arises when the body's response to an infection spirals out of control, triggering widespread inflammation that can lead to organ dysfunction and even death. It is a critical medical emergency that requires prompt recognition and treatment to prevent severe complications.
Spleen: The spleen is an organ located in the upper left abdomen that filters blood, removes old red blood cells, and plays a critical role in immune response by producing white blood cells.
Spleen: The spleen is an organ located in the upper left part of the abdomen, behind the stomach. It plays a crucial role in the body's immune response and the filtration of blood, serving as an important component of both the circulatory and lymphatic systems.
Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS): Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) is a clinical syndrome characterized by systemic inflammation and widespread tissue injury. It can be triggered by infections, trauma, or other conditions that lead to an acute inflammatory response.
T-cell: T-cells, also known as T-lymphocytes, are a type of white blood cell that play a crucial role in the adaptive immune response. They are responsible for cell-mediated immunity, recognizing and destroying infected or cancerous cells, and coordinating the overall immune response.
Tachycardia: Tachycardia is a rapid heart rate, typically defined as a resting heart rate above 100 beats per minute in adults. It is a condition that can occur in the context of various circulatory and lymphatic system disorders, often indicating an underlying health issue that requires medical attention.
Tachypnea: Tachypnea is a rapid and shallow breathing pattern, often characterized by an increased respiratory rate above the normal range. It is a physiological response to various medical conditions that affect the respiratory or cardiovascular systems.
Thrombosis: Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot, or thrombus, within a blood vessel. This can occur in both the arterial and venous systems, and can lead to serious complications if the clot blocks blood flow to vital organs or tissues.
Thymus: The thymus is a primary lymphoid organ located in the upper chest, responsible for the maturation and differentiation of T lymphocytes. It plays a crucial role in the development of adaptive immunity.
Thymus: The thymus is a small, butterfly-shaped organ located in the upper chest, just behind the breastbone. It plays a crucial role in the development and maturation of T lymphocytes, which are essential for cellular immunity and the body's defense against infections and diseases.
Tonsils: Tonsils are a pair of lymphoid organs located at the back of the throat, near the entrance to the respiratory and digestive systems. They are part of the body's immune system, helping to protect against harmful microorganisms that may enter through the mouth or nose.
Toxemia: Toxemia is the presence of toxins in the bloodstream, typically produced by pathogenic bacteria. It can lead to serious systemic effects and contribute to the severity of infections.
Vascular Endothelium: The vascular endothelium is the thin layer of cells that lines the interior surface of blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and the heart. It acts as a selective barrier, regulating the passage of materials and the transit of white blood cells into and out of the bloodstream.
Vasculitis: Vasculitis is the inflammation of blood vessels, which can disrupt normal blood flow and damage organs and tissues. It can affect arteries, veins, and capillaries in any part of the body.
Vein: A vein is a blood vessel that carries deoxygenated blood towards the heart. They are an essential part of the circulatory system, working alongside arteries and capillaries.
Veins: Veins are blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood from the body's tissues back to the heart. They play a crucial role in the circulatory system by transporting blood, nutrients, and waste products throughout the body.
Ventricle: A ventricle is a chamber within the heart that receives blood from an atrium and pumps it out to the lungs or body. Ventricles are responsible for the powerful contractions that drive blood circulation throughout the cardiovascular system.
White Blood Cells: White blood cells, also known as leukocytes, are a crucial component of the body's immune system. They are responsible for defending the body against infections, diseases, and foreign invaders by identifying and eliminating threats.