Chapter 10: Problem 4

What happens to the lymph as it passes through a lymph node?

Short Answer

Expert verified

As lymph passes through a lymph node, it gets filtered by immune cells like lymphocytes and macrophages that reside in the node. These cells help clean the lymph of harmful substances and pathogens. Thus, the lymph is effectively 'cleansed' as it passes through a lymph node.

Step by step solution

Understanding Lymph and Lymph Nodes

Before understanding the function of lymph passing through a lymph node, it’s essential to know what the lymph and the lymph nodes are. Lymph is a clear fluid that circulates around the body's lymphatic system, carrying cells that help fight infection and disease. Lymph nodes, on the other hand, are small, bean-shaped glands present throughout the body. They produce and store cells that fight infection and disease, acting like a filter for the lymphatic fluid, removing potentially harmful particles.

Identifying the Process of Lymph Filtration through Lymph Nodes

As lymph flows into the lymph node from the afferent lymphatic vessel, it's directed to an area called the subcapsular sinus. From there, it passes through a complex network of sinuses, or small, interconnected cavities. This network is where lymph encounters multiple immune cells mostly; lymphocytes and macrophages. These specialized cells are primed to identify and respond to pathogens or foreign substances present in the circulating lymph.

Detailing the Role of Lymphocytes and Macrophages

Lymphocytes are cells that perform a variety of immune functions, including producing antibodies that help destroy foreign substances. Macrophages, another kind of immune cells, serve to consume and digest these foreign substances, effectively 'cleaning' the lymph. Thus, as lymph passes through a lymph node, it is cleaned of harmful substances and pathogens.

Describing the Final Stages

After passing through the sinus network and getting cleaned, the lymph then exits the node through the efferent lymphatic vessel. This cleaned lymph is then returned to the circulatory system. Thus, it would be correct to say that the lymph is purified as it passes through a lymph node.

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What happens to the lymph as it passes through a lymph node?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understanding Lymph and Lymph Nodes

Identifying the Process of Lymph Filtration through Lymph Nodes

Detailing the Role of Lymphocytes and Macrophages

Describing the Final Stages

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