HUBS Week 12 - Lymphatic System

Lymphatic System Overview

  • Function of the Lymphatic System:

    • Maintains fluid homeostasis.

    • Filters contents of tissue spaces.

    • Produces lymphocytes and antibodies.

    • Contributes to blood cell populations (T-lymphocytes, B-lymphocytes, NK cells).

    • Assists in fat absorption from the gut (chylomicrons).

  • Components of the Lymphatic System:

    • Lymphatic vessels (channels).

    • Lymph nodes (filters).

    • Other lymphoid tissues (spleen, thymus, gut wall, bone marrow).

  • Lymphatic Drainage Mechanism:

    • Fluid flows from interstitial spaces into lymphatic vessels.

    • Travels through lymph nodes before entering the venous system.

    • Different drainage routes for right and left sides of the body:

    • Thoracic duct handles most lymph; empties into the subclavian vein.

    • Right lymphatic duct drains the right neck, arm, and thorax.

  • Movement of Lymph:

    • Driven by filtration pressure, muscle contraction, valves, and respiratory movements.

  • Main Sites with Lymph Nodes:

    • Abundant in axilla, groin, and neck; critical for filtering foreign pathogens.

  • Glymphatic System:

    • Function: Waste clearance in CNS, nutrient distribution during sleep.

    • Dysfunction linked to neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's).