The Lymphatic system

for N209 A&P

Function of the Lymphatic system

• returning excess interstitial fluid & proteins back to the blood

• absorbing fat and fat soluble vitamins from the digestive system and transport this to venous system

• Defend against invading organisms and diseases

Lymphatics

The network of lymphatic vessels used to return leaked fluid to the blood.

Lymph

The fluid with in the lymphatics

the purpose of lymphoid organs and tissues

To provide structural basis of immune system by housing phagocytic cells and lymphocytes.

structures of the lymphatic system

Spleen, thymus, tonils, lymph nodes, ect.

Lymphatic vessels

A one way system that ensure lymph flows in only one direction ( towards the heart)

Consists of : Lymphatic capillaries and larger ones of these

Lymphatic capillaries

Blind ended vessels that weave between tissue cells and blood capillaries. are permeable and are able to allow larger molecules and particles pass through ( that blood capillaries cannot)

Examples of types of molecules and particles that can travel through lyphatic capillaries.

• Proteins, cell debris, pathogens, cancer cells, fat.

Lacteals

specialized lymph capillaries present in intertinal mucosa which absorb digest fat and deliver chyle (fatty lymph) to the blood

Lymphatic trunks

Formed through the union of the largest collecting vessels, and drain large areas of the body

Lymphatic Ducts

consists of a right and thoracic these empty lymph into the venous circulation at junctions of internal jugular and subclavian veins

Right lymphatic duct

Drains the right upper arm, right side of head and the thorax.

Lymphatic transport

The lymph is low pressure ( similar to the venous system)