Lymphatic System Anatomy

Vocabulary terms covering the anatomical structures of the lymphatic network, lymph node microanatomy, and specialized lymphoid organs as described in the lecture diagrams.

Submandibular node

A lymph node located beneath the mandible as part of the lymphatic network.

Right lymphatic duct

The duct that drains lymph from the upper right quadrant of the body into the right subclavian vein.

Thoracic duct

The large duct that drains lymph from the left side of the head, neck, chest, left upper limb, and the entire body below the ribs.

Cisterna chyli

The dilated sac at the inferior end of the thoracic duct that receives lymph from the lower limbs and abdominal organs.

Axillary node

Lymph nodes located in the armpit (axilla) region.

Cervical node

Lymph nodes located in the neck region.

Inguinal node

Lymph nodes located in the groin (inguinal) area.

Popliteal node

Lymph nodes located behind the knee.

Afferent lymphatic vessel

A vessel through which lymph enters a lymph node.

Efferent lymphatic vessel

A vessel through which lymph exits the lymph node at the hilum.

Capsule

The outer connective tissue covering of a lymph node.

Germinal center

The area within a cortical follicle where rapid lymphocyte division occurs.

Medullary cord

Columns of lymphoid tissue localized in the medulla of a lymph node.

Medullary sinus

Open spaces in the medulla of a lymph node through which lymph flows.

Hilum

The indented region of the lymph node where the efferent lymphatic vessel exits.

Pharyngeal tonsil

A mass of lymphoid tissue located in the nasopharynx.

Palatine tonsil

Lymphoid tissue located on the left and right sides at the back of the throat.

Thymus

A primary lymphoid organ located in the chest where T-lymphocytes mature.

Spleen

The largest lymphoid organ, located in the upper left abdominal quadrant, responsible for filtering blood.

Peyer patch

Clusters of lymphoid nodules located in the wall of the small intestine.

Appendix

A small, finger-like extension of the vertebrate cecum containing a mass of fused lymphoid nodules.