HA - Lymphatic System

functions of the lymphatic system

draining excess interstitial fluid, transporting dietary lipids, immune response

draining excess interstitial fluid (fluid recovery)

excess fluid returned to the blood for usage or removal in the body

lymphedema

occurs when lymphatic drainage is diminished leading to swelling

transporting dietary lipids

occurs through lacteals in the lining of the small intestine

lymphatic vessels transport

lipids and lipid-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)

immune response

the lymphatic system often picks up pathogens with fluid in the body

pathogens are removed in lymph nodes

parts of the lymphatic system

lymphatic vessels, lymphatic organs, lymph

lymphatic vessels

transport fluids back to the blood that have escaped from the blood

lymphatic organs

scattered throughout the body

lymph

fluid contained in the lymphatic vessels

types of lymph cells

lymphocytes, lymphatic macrophages, dendritic cells, reticular cells, neutrophils

lymphocytes

primary cells of the lymphatic system and develop in the red bone marrow

types of lymphocytes

T cells and B cells

T cells (T lymphocytes)

manage immune responses and some directly attack and destroy foregin cells

B cells (B lymphocytes)

protect the body by producing plasma cells that secrete antibodies into the blood which attach to and immobilize antigens

lymphatic macrophages

protect the body my phagocytizing foreign substances and by activating T cells

dendritic cells

also phagocytes on foreign substances

reticular cells

produce a network of protein fibers that support cells in the lymphoid organs

neutrophils

aggressively attack and kill bacteria

lymphatic vessels

remove interstitial fluid and proteins and return them to the bloodstream

lymphatic capillaries

small vessels located in the spaces between cells and are typically closed at one end