LYMPHATIC SYSTEM

Lymph

Tissue fluid (interstitial fluid) that enters the lymphatic vessels

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• Essentially a drainage system accessory to venous system
• Larger particles that escape into tissue fluid can only be removed via lymphatic system

Functions

• Network that filters antigens from the interstitial fluid
• Primary site of immune response from tissue antigens
• Lymphatic drainage in all organs of the body except brain, eyes, marrow and cartilage
• Flaccid thin walled channels → progressive caliber
• 600 lymph nodes in body
• Slow flow, low pressure system returns interstitial fluid to the blood system

Components of lymphatics

• Lymph

• Lymphatic Vessels

• Lymphatic Organs

• Lymphatic cells

  Lymphatic Capillaries

Features of structure:

• Blind end

• Single layer of overlapping endothelial cells

• More permeable than that of blood capillary

• Absent from avascular structures, brain, spinal cord splenic pulp and bone marrow

  

Lymphatic Vessels

• Three layered wall but thinner than vein
• More numerous valves than in vein
• Interposed by lymph nodes at intervals
• Arranged in superficial and deep sets

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Lymph Trunks

• Right and left jugular trunks
• Right and left subclavian trunks
• Right and left broncho mediastinal trunk
• Right and left lumbar trunks
• Intestinal trunk

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Lymphatic Ducts

• Right lymphatic duct

• Thoracic duct

  

Lymphatic Cells

• Also called lymphoid cells
• Located in both the lymphatic system and the cardiovascular system.
• Work together to elicit an immune response.

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Types of lymphatic cells are:

• Macrophages
• Epithelial cells
• Dendritic cells
• Lymphocytes

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Lymphatic Organs

• Primary organs
  • Red bone marrow
  • Thymus gland
• Secondary organs
  • Lymph nodes
  • Lymph nodules
  • Spleen

Lymph nodes:

• Capsular shell

• Fibroblasts and reticulin fibers

• Macrophages

• Dendritic cells

• T cells

• B cells

  

  

  

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Lymphangitis

• Inflammation of the lymph vessels

• Commonest cause bacteria called streptococcus pyogenes(most common).

• Lymph vessels appear as red streaks through the skin 

  

Lymphedema

• Occurs due to accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the interstitial tissue

• Sometimes can be appreciated after wearing tight clothing or jewelry on affected limb

  

Lymphadenopathy

• Means a disease of the lymph nodes

• Lymph nodes become swollen/ enlarged and may be painful to touch

  

Lymphomas

• Cancers originating either from the lymphocytes in the lymph nodes or the lymphatic tissue in organs

  

Tonsillitis

• Infection of the pharyngeal tonsils

• Tonsils are swollen, Fever and pain during swallowing usually present

  

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