The Lymphatic System

Lymphatic System

Introduction

• The lymphatic system is often associated with cancer and swollen lymph nodes, generally indicating illness.

• The speaker shares a (false) story about lost luggage being cleaned and returned, as an analogy to the lymphatic system's function.

Functions of the Lymphatic System

• Collection and Return of Lost Fluid:

  • The lymphatic system collects fluid that leaks from blood capillaries into tissues and returns it to the bloodstream.

  • Capillaries are made of simple squamous epithelium which facilitates diffusion but also makes them leaky.

  • Approximately 3 liters of fluid leak from capillaries into tissues daily.

  • This leakage causes fluid to shift compartments, leading to swelling in areas like feet or fingers.

  • The lymphatic system prevents excess fluid accumulation in tissues by collecting and returning this fluid.

• Cleaning and Filtration:

  • The lymphatic system cleans the collected fluid before returning it to the bloodstream, removing unwanted substances.

  • The lymphatic provides body defense by filtering the fluid and identifying things that don't belong.

Components of the Lymphatic System

• Lymph: The fluid circulating within lymphatic vessels.

• Lymphatic Vessels: The network of vessels that transport lymph throughout the body (analogous to railways).

• Lymph Nodes: Structures that filter the lymph and clean it.

Analogy to the Cardiovascular System

• Cardiovascular system components:

  • Blood

  • Heart (pump)

  • Blood vessels (railways)

• Lymphatic system components:

  • Lymph (fluid)

  • Lymphatic vessels (railways)

  • Lymph nodes (cleaning mechanism)