LYMPHATIC ANATOMY

Learning outcomes of the lab exercises:

1. Describe the structure and function of the lymphatic system
2. Define the hierarchy of organs in the system
3. Find the locations of major lymphatic organs, nodes, and vessels

“The immune system is the complex collection of cells and organs that destroys or neutralizes
pathogens that would otherwise cause disease or death. The lymphatic system, for most people, is
associated with the immune system to such a degree that the two systems are virtually
indistinguishable. The lymphatic system is the system of vessels, cells, and organs that carries
excess fluids to the bloodstream and filters pathogens from the blood. The swelling of lymph nodes
during an infection and the transport of lymphocytes via the lymphatic vessels are but two examples of
the many connections between these critical organ systems.” OpenStax A&P, pg. 976

Background of System
Composition of lymph (=interstitial [=tissue] fluid formed by filtration from capillaries)
-Similar to plasma and tissue fluid
Contains lymphocytes and some granulocytes
No platelets or RBC's
-Nutrients
High fats in intestinal areas during digestion
Glucose, water, and salt about identical to plasma
Generally less protein than plasma but highest levels in liver where synthesized

Functions of lymphatic system

1. Fluid balance
Regulation of interstitial fluid proteins (forced from blood capillaries during filtration) by
returning them to blood stream (otherwise fluid accumulates in interstitial areas
due to increase in OP(Osmotic Pressure))
Removal of tissue fluid from intercellular spaces and return to blood stream

2. Defense
Filters out bacteria and other harmful substances
Destruction of microorganisms and other foreign substances

3. Fat absorption

Hierarchy of Structures

Lymph vessels = one-way system (swelling if plugged)

1. Capillaries
-Blind-ended, larger and more permeable than blood capillaries
-Overlapping endothelial cells form one-way valves permitting fluid to move in
only
-Called "lacteals" in intestinal area due to whitish color of lymph with fats
2. Lymphatic vessels
- Formed by union of several capillaries and become progressively larger
- Structure similar to venules
- Contain one-way valves to prevent backflow and lymph nodes for filtration
- Eventually merge into several main channels (=lymphatic trunks)

83
 3. Lymphatic trunks
- Structure similar to veins
- Drain lymph from relatively large regions of body and named for that region
(e.g., lumbar trunk, intestinal trunk, subclavian trunk)
- Eventually join to form two collecting ducts

4. Terminal vessels (=collecting ducts) = similar to large veins

Thoracic duct (=left collecting duct)

- Larger (38-45 cm long, 4-6 mm diameter)
- Originates at a dilatation called cisterna chyli at front of 2nd lumbar
vertebra where it receives lymph from lower extremities, and walls and
viscera of pelvis and abdomen
- Enters (usually) brachiocephalic vein at junction of left internal jugular
vein and left subclavian vein (semilunar valves at junction prevent
backflow)
- Receives all lymph below diaphragm, and from left half of body above
diaphragm

Right collecting duct

-Very short (=1-2 cm long)
- Empties into brachiocephalic vein at junction of right internal jugular and
subclavian veins
- Drains right upper body

Mechanisms of lymph movement

1. Lymphatic pump = due to muscular movements and valves in vessels
- Skeletal muscle contraction
- Intestinal peristalsis
- Contraction of smooth muscles in walls in response to stretch

2. Pressure gradient (i.e., pressure decreases progressively from tissue fluid to large
veins in neck and any increase in tissue fluid pressure increases flow)
e.g., BP increases => capillary filtration increases => blood plasma osmotic
pressure decreases => interstitial fluid osmotic pressure increases => lymph
capillary permeability increases

3. Ventilatory (respiratory) movements

- During inspiration, pressure on thoracic duct less than on lymphatics outside
thorax (i.e., lymph enters thoracic duct)
- During expiration, pressure in thoracic duct increases and forces lymph into
brachiocephalic veins

Lymph nodes
- Afferent vessels bring lymph into all sides, but one efferent vessel exits at hilum
- All lymph passes through at least one node before entering bloodstream
- Functions: (1) Production of lymphocytes and antibodies
(2) Filtration and defense against spread of infection

84
 OpenStax A&P, pg 985

Major Lymph Node Locations in the Body:

- Consist of both superficial and deep sets, in groups or chains on sides of large blood
vessels. Absent from tissues of central nervous system

Cervical region
- Back of head and neck = drain scalp
- Around sternocleidomastoid muscle = drain facial and throat regions

Axillary region
- drain upper extremities, mammary glands, and muscles and skin of chest area

Inguinal region
- drain lower extremities, external sex organs, and lower abdominal wall

Pelvic cavity
- drain pelvic viscera

Abdominal cavity
- drain abdominal viscera

Mesenteric region
- drain from intestinal tract from absorption process in digestion

Thoracic cavity
- drain thoracic viscera and internal thoracic wall

Lymphatic Organs

Spleen
Location = beneath diaphragm behind and to left of stomach
Structure
- Covered by and held in position by peritoneum (=serous membrane)
- Capsule of connective tissue
- Trabeculae = extensions of capsule dividing splenic pulp into lobules between
trabeculae
- Composition of splenic pulp

85
 1. Red pulp
-
RBC's
-

Phagocytic reticulum cells

2. White pulp
- lymphoid tissue
- WBCs

Functions
1. Blood storage (released on demand)
2. RBC formation in embryos (in adults during
anemia)
3. Destruction and removal of aged RBC's
4. Origin of lymphocytes
5. Phagocytosis, filters out foreign material from the bloodstream

OpenStax A&P, pg 986

Thymus
Location = upper chest along trachea, overlapping large vessels as they leave heart, in
mediastinum
Structure
- Consists of 1, 2, or 3 lobes
- Each lobe of several lobules
1. Cortex of lymphocytes
2. Medulla of reticular cells in clusters called corpuscles of Hassall
- Decreases in size after puberty

Functions
1. Defense against disease
2. Hormone secretion
-Promine = stimulates cell reproduction
and growth
-Thymosin = stimulates
lymphatic
tissue
development
and enhances
immune
mechanisms

86
 OpenStax A&P, pg 983

87