Circulatory and Lymphatic Systems

Experts in Health Project by: Mara Farrera, Rodrigo Gutiérrez and Ana Paula Pérez

[kokorolymphs]

Tonsillitis

What is tonsillitis?

It’s a severe inflammation of the tonsils, the two rounded pads of lymphoid tissue that can be found in the human mouth, slightly posterior to the uvula.

Risk factors

Tonsillitis usually affects young people, from children to teens, especially those in frequent contact with germs, since tonsillitis is caused by either bacterial or viral infections.

Symptoms

Symptoms of tonsillitis often include swollen tonsils, a sore throat, difficulty while swallowing, unusual coloring on the tonsils’ surface, enlarged lymph nodes on the neck, notoriously bad breath, stomach aches, headaches, and excessive salivation.

Treatments

Treatment for tonsillitis includes rest, hydration, treatment of fever, painkillers, and surgical removal of the tonsils.

~Ana

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Anatomy of the Lymphatic System

Components:

Lymph

Spleen

Lymph vessels

Thymus

Tonsils

Bone marrow

Lymph nodes

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Anatomy of the Circulatory System

Parts of the circulatory system:

Superior vena cava

Inferior vena cava

Right atrium

Right ventricle

Tricuspid valve

Pulmonary valve

Pulmonary artery

Pulmonary veins

Left atrium

Mitral valve

Left ventricle

Aorta

-Rodrigo

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Physiology of the Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system is a circuit of glands, vessels and fluids that works alongside the circulatory and immune systems. Its main purposes are transporting lymph, a fluid which carries white blood cells, remove certain fluids from tissues, absorb fatty acids from the digestive system, and produce immune cells. The lymph vessels transport the lymph from node to node, and these filter the lymph in turn. The spleen is in charge of producing the lymphocytes and destroying old red blood cells, the thymus allows for multiplication of lymphocytes, which the tonsils then contain, as do the adenoids (in children). Then, the bone marrow contains stem cells (cells able to become either red blood cells, platelets or white blood cells).

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Heart Attack

A heart attack, also called a myocardial infarction, happens when blood flow is irregular and a part of the heart muscle doesn’t receive enough blood flow. As more time passes without a treatment, the heart gets more damaged

The most usual symptoms are:

·       Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back.

·       Feeling weak, light-headed, or faint.

·       Chest pain or discomfort.

·       Pain or discomfort in arms or shoulder.

·       Shortness of breath.

~Rodrigo

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Bibliography

Canadian Cancer Society (2016) Anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system. Retrieved on April 2nd, from: http://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-type/hodgkin-lymphoma/anatomy-and-physiology/?region=on

Cancer.org. (2015, April 14). Lymph nodes and cancer. Retrieved April 4, 2016, from http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancerbasics/lymph-nodes-and-cancer

Cardiovascular Consultants. (2006). Heart physiology. Retrieved April 4, 2016, from http://www.cardioconsult.com/Physiology/

CDC. (2015, August 5). Heart attack signs and symptoms. Retrieved April 4, 2016, from http://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/signs_symptoms.htm

CDC. (2015, August 10). Coronary artery disease (CAD). Retrieved April 4, 2016, from http://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/coronary_ad.htm

Mayo Clinic Staff (2015) Tonsillitis. Retrieved on April 2nd, from: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tonsillitis/basics/treatment/con-20023538

Web MD Staff  (2016) Aortic Aneurysm - Topic Overview. Retrieved April 3, 2016, from: http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/tc/aortic-aneurysm-overview?page=2

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Physiology of the Circulatory System

Blood enters from the Vena cava into the right atrium, then through the tricuspid valve it passes to the right ventricle, where it is sent through the pulmonary artery to get oxygenated. Later, it returns through the pulmonary vein into the left atrium, passes through the mitral valve and gets to the left ventricle, then it is sent on to the aorta to repeat the cycle.

The heart has a sinoatrial node is the pacemaker of the heart, located in the upper area of the right atrium, it is in charge of delivering electrical current to the heart, causing it to contract and pump blood. The ventricles and the atriums move in synchronization, causing blood flow.

~Rodrigo

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Coronary Artery Disease

For some people, the first sign of CAD is a heart attack. You and your health care team may be able to help you reduce your risk for CAD.

CAD is caused by plaque buildup in the walls of the coronary arteries and other parts of the body. Plaque is made up of cholesterol and other substances in the artery this causes the artery size to narrow, which blocks the blood flow.

When your heart muscle doesn’t get enough blood, you may have chest pain or discomfort, called angina. One of the main symptoms of CAD

Over time, CAD can weaken the heart muscle. This may lead to heart failure, an irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia.

~Rodrigo

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Aortic Aneurysm

An aortic aneurysm is a deformity in the aorta, the largest artery in the human body. This deformity makes a certain section of the aorta extremely weaker, which makes it a lot more propense to break, in which case the artery will burst, causing an internal bleeding that will most likely lead to the death of the patient. While this defect can be found anywhere along the aorta, they are mostly found in the abdominopelvic cavity.

Symptoms

There are really no symptoms of aortic aneurysms, other than occasional complaints about back pain, which can come and go according to patients.

Risk factors

-Old age (65-75)

-Being of the male sex

-Smoking

-First-degree relative with an aneurysm

- High cholesterol levels

- Bad diet and exercising habits

Treatment

For large, rapidly-growing aneurysms, surgery is required. Smaller aneurysms are often treated with high blood pressure meds, which help lower the pressure on the aortic wall, thus making it harder for the blood to burst the aneurysm.

~Ana

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Lymph Node Cancer

Cancer in the lymph nodes can appear by 2 reasons, either it started there or it was spread from somewhere else. Normally, when a node is near the primary cancer it’s likely that it will be affected. That's why when a surgeon is operating to remove a primary cancer it's highly recommended to remove the nearby nodes to prevent cancer to return.

Symptoms

Nodes get larger

Intense pain in the region of the affected lymph node, depending on the stage of the cancer.

~Mara

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Lymphedema

What Is Lymphedema?

Lymphedema is an excessive  concentration of high-protein fluid just beneath the skin.most commonly in the arm or leg, but it also may occur in other parts of the body. Lymphedema usually develops when lymph vessels are damaged or lymph nodes are removed.

Lymphatic fluid is transported out of a region of the body by an extensive network of lymph vessels. When the concentration of the fluid  persists in a specific area, it can attract more fluids. because of that  the body experiences an inflammatory reaction resulting in scar tissue called fibrosis in the affected area. The presence of fibrosis makes more difficult for the fluid to be eliminated from the area. As a result  the delivery of oxygen and essential nutrients to the area seems affected , which  can delay wound healing and provoque bacteria to grow, and increase the risk of infections in or below the skin.

~Mara

[anatomyandphysiology101-deactiv]

4 human hearts with 4 different problems occurring.

www.learninghumananatomy.com

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~ana

[obscura94]

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~ CaLS team

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Lymphatic System

The Lymphatic System has 3 main functions which contribute to homeostasis. The excess tissue fluid is returned to the blood, the absorption of fats, and helps to defend the body.

Diabetes generally causes damage to the arteries and capillaries, and lymphedema is the result of damage to the lymphatic system. Together, these diseases result in damage to both the arterial and lymphatic systems and both lead to damage to the subcutaneous tissue, connective tissue and skin. The result is increased swelling, decreased levels of oxygen in the skin and connective tissue and susceptibility to infection.

Charcot Foot. Charcot foot or Charcot joint (medically referred to as neuropathic arthropathy) occurs in up to 2.5% of people with diabetes. Early changes appear similar to an infection, with the foot becoming swollen, red, and warm. Gradually, the affected foot can become deformed. The bones may crack, splinter, and erode, and the joints may shift, change shape, and become unstable. It typically develops in people who have neuropathy to the extent that they cannot feel sensation in the foot and are not aware of an existing injury. Instead of resting an injured foot or seeking medical help, the patient often continues normal activity, causing further damage.

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~Ana

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Lymph System Part I

Brief overview of lymph system. Part I

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~Mara

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Treat Common Health Conditions – Lymphatic System and Joint Disorders

Lymphatic System Disorders Your lymphatic vessels, channels, and lymph nodes make up your lymph system, which shares an important relationship with your body’s immune and.healing systems. The white blood cells of your immune system, which help fight infection and keep your blood clean,… Treat Common Health Conditions – Lymphatic System and Joint Disorders

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~Rodrigo

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Elephantiasis 

In some cases the disease can cause certain body parts to swell to the size of basketballs.Elephantiasis is caused by the presence of microscopic, thread-like parasitic worms which are transmitted by mosquitoes. 

and of course a sign would be swelling of the lower half of the body.

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~Rodrigo