Lymphatic System: Terms to know

Primary Lymphatic Organs

Organs where lymphocytes are produced, include red bone marrow and thymus.

Red Bone Marrow

A primary lymphatic organ responsible for the production of lymphocytes.

Thymus

A primary lymphatic organ where T lymphocytes mature.

Secondary Lymphatic Organs

Organs that play a role in the immune response, include lymph nodes and spleen.

Lymph Nodes

Bean-shaped structures that filter lymph and house lymphocytes.

Cervical Lymph Nodes

Lymph nodes located in the neck region.

Axillary Lymph Nodes

Lymph nodes located in the armpit area.

Pelvic Lymph Nodes

Lymph nodes located in the pelvic area.

Inguinal Lymph Nodes

Lymph nodes located in the groin region.

Spleen

An organ that filters blood and helps fight infections.

Lymphatic Nodules

Small, localized collections of lymphoid tissue.

Peyer's Patches

Aggregations of lymphoid tissue in the intestines.

Appendix

A small tube-like structure containing lymphatic tissue.

Tonsils

Lymphoid tissues located at the back of the throat.

Pharyngeal Tonsils

Also known as adenoids, located in the nasopharynx.

Palatine Tonsils

Tonsils located on either side of the throat.

Lingual Tonsils

Tonsils located at the base of the tongue.

Lymphatic Vessels

Vessels that transport lymph throughout the body.

Lymph Capillaries

Small vessels that collect lymph from tissues.

Lacteals

Specialized lymphatic capillaries in the small intestine that absorb dietary fats.

Lymph Ducts

Large vessels that drain lymph into the venous system.

Cisterna Chyli

A sac-like structure that collects lymph from the lower body.

Thoracic Duct

The largest lymphatic vessel that drains most of the body's lymph.

Right Lymphatic Duct

Drains lymph from the upper right quadrant of the body.

Lumph Vessel Valve

Structures within lymph vessels that prevent backflow.

Capsule (of Spleen)

The outer covering of the spleen that protects its inner structures.

Red Pulp

Part of the spleen involved in filtering blood and removing old red blood cells.

White Pulp

Part of the spleen involved in immune responses and lymphocyte activation.

Central Arteries

Arteries that supply blood to the spleen, found in white pulp.