Lymphatic System
ANAPHY OF PERIPHERAL VASCULAR SYSTEM
● Functions: Vascular functions, immune
Arterial Pulses defense, and fluid balance
● Arteries of the Arms ● Only superficial lymph nodes are
accessible during physical examination
○ Brachial artery- Major artery of the
upper arm Inguinal Lymph Nodes
○ Radial artery- Located on the ● Superficial nodes: Can be palpated in
Lateral side of the wrist groin area
○ Ulnar artery- Located on the ● Divided into:
middle side of the wrist (not always
palpable) ○ Horizontal group (runs across the
inguinal ligament)
○ Vertical group (runs along the
saphenous vein)
Capillary Bed and Fluid Exchange
● Regulated by three forces:
○ Hydrostatic pressure (pushes fluid
out of the capillaries)
○ Interstitial colloid oncotic pressure
(pulls fluid into the tissues)
● Arteries of the Legs ○ Plasma protein oncotic pressure
(pulls fluid back into the capillaries)
○ Femoral artery- Found in the groin
○ Popliteal artery- Located behind
the knee
○ Dorsalis pedis artery- Found on the
dorsum (top) of the foot
○ Posterior tibial artery- Located
behind the medial malleolus (inner
ankle)
Edema Formation (Four Causes)
1. Increased plasma volume from sodium
retention
2. Increased capillary permeability (e.g.,
burns, snake bites, allergic reactions)
Veins of the Lower Extremities 3. Low plasma protein levels (caused by
kidney disease)
● Deep veins- Carry most of the venous
4. Blocked lymphatic drainage (lymphedema)
return from the legs
● Superficial veins: ● Types of Edema
○ Great saphenous vein- Runs along ○ Pitting edema- Depression (pit)
the medial leg and thigh remains when pressed for 5 to 30
○ Small saphenous vein- Runs along seconds
the posterior calf ○ Non Pitting edema- Firm swelling
○ Communicating veins- Connect the without indentation
deep and superficial veins
Grade Depression Depth (mm)
1+ 2mm
2+ 4mm
3+ 6mm
4+ 8mm
ANAPHY OF PERIPHERAL VASCULAR SYSTEM
● Functions: Vascular functions, immune
Arterial Pulses defense, and fluid balance
● Arteries of the Arms ● Only superficial lymph nodes are
accessible during physical examination
○ Brachial artery- Major artery of the
upper arm Inguinal Lymph Nodes
○ Radial artery- Located on the ● Superficial nodes: Can be palpated in
Lateral side of the wrist groin area
○ Ulnar artery- Located on the ● Divided into:
middle side of the wrist (not always
palpable) ○ Horizontal group (runs across the
inguinal ligament)
○ Vertical group (runs along the
saphenous vein)
Capillary Bed and Fluid Exchange
● Regulated by three forces:
○ Hydrostatic pressure (pushes fluid
out of the capillaries)
○ Interstitial colloid oncotic pressure
(pulls fluid into the tissues)
● Arteries of the Legs ○ Plasma protein oncotic pressure
(pulls fluid back into the capillaries)
○ Femoral artery- Found in the groin
○ Popliteal artery- Located behind
the knee
○ Dorsalis pedis artery- Found on the
dorsum (top) of the foot
○ Posterior tibial artery- Located
behind the medial malleolus (inner
ankle)
Edema Formation (Four Causes)
1. Increased plasma volume from sodium
retention
2. Increased capillary permeability (e.g.,
burns, snake bites, allergic reactions)
Veins of the Lower Extremities 3. Low plasma protein levels (caused by
kidney disease)
● Deep veins- Carry most of the venous
4. Blocked lymphatic drainage (lymphedema)
return from the legs
● Superficial veins: ● Types of Edema
○ Great saphenous vein- Runs along ○ Pitting edema- Depression (pit)
the medial leg and thigh remains when pressed for 5 to 30
○ Small saphenous vein- Runs along seconds
the posterior calf ○ Non Pitting edema- Firm swelling
○ Communicating veins- Connect the without indentation
deep and superficial veins
Grade Depression Depth (mm)
1+ 2mm
2+ 4mm
3+ 6mm
4+ 8mm
