Lymphatic System Summary

Lymphatic System

• The Lymphatic System is crucial for the body's defense against pathogens and disease.

• Leukocytes are abundant in lymph; antibodies are also created in the Lymphatic System.

• The Lymphatic System consists of:

  • Lymph

  • Lymph nodes

  • Lymph vessels

  • Lymph organs

Lymph

• Lymph is the primary structure of the Lymphatic System.

• Composition:

  • Water

  • Protein

  • Leukocytes

  • Urea

  • Salts

  • Glucose

• Function: Transports these substances throughout the body, ultimately draining into the bloodstream.

• Origin: Lymph is made of interstitial fluid (fluid found between cells).

Lymph Vessels

• Lymph travels through the body via lymph vessels.

• Lymph vessels are similar to blood vessels but only allow one-way flow towards the heart.

• Function: They absorb foreign bodies and nutrients from tissues, transporting them to the lymph nodes and eventually to the bloodstream.

• Largest Lymph Vessel: The Thoracic Duct, located in the trunk.

• Thoracic Duct: Drains lymph into the left subclavian vein, where it mixes with blood.

Lymph Nodes

• Lymph nodes are large masses of lymphatic tissue.

• Functions:

  • Production of antibodies.

  • Filtering and destroying foreign objects in the lymph.

• During infection, lymph nodes may become tender and swollen.

Thymus

• Location: Chest.

• Function: Responsible for the production of T-lymphocytes (T-cells).

• T-cells: Vital in regulating the body's immune system.

• HIV: Destroys T-cells, disabling the immune system.

Spleen

• An organ of the Lymphatic System.

• Functions:

  • Destroys dead or dying red blood cells.

  • Destroys pathogens and debris from the bloodstream.