College of Nursing

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

LABORATORY

ACTIVITY # 15
THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM

I. OBJECTIVES:

1. To familiarize with the structures and function of the lymphatic system

2. To know and list the events that occur during inflammatory response and explain their
significance.

II. MATERIALS

Charts or models of the lymphatic system, reference books

III. PROCEDURES

a. The components of the lymphatic system

b. The features of lymph nodes
c. The lymphatic capillaries
d. The schema of the relationship between the cardiovascular system to the lymphatic and immune
system
e. Illustrate the three stages of inflammation

IV. DRAW AND LABEL

o Distribution of lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes

o Structure of a lymph node (longitudinal view)

V. QUESTIONS FOR RESEARCH

1. What is the lymphatic system? Describe its functions.

The lymphatic system has three primary functions:

1. Drains excess interstitial fluid. Lymphatic vessels drain excess interstitial fluid from tissue spaces
and return it to the blood. This function closely links it with the cardiovascular system. In fact,
without this function, the maintenance of circulating blood volume would not be possible.
2. Transports dietary lipids. Lymphatic vessels transport lipids and lipid-soluble vitamins (A, D, E,
and K) absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract.
3. Carries out immune responses. Lymphatic tissue initiates highly specific responses directed
against particular microbes or abnormal cells.

2. Explain how a lymph is formed and transported.

Lymph is formed when the interstitial fluid is collected through tiny lymph capillaries (see diagram),
which are located throughout the body. It is then transported through lymph vessels to lymph nodes,
which clean and filter it.

3. Identify the lymphatic structures and give their functions.

structures functions
LYMPH Lymph, also called lymphatic fluid, is a collection of the extra fluid that drains from

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 cells and tissues (that is not reabsorbed into the capillaries) plus other substances.
The other substances include proteins, minerals, fats, nutrients, damaged cells,
cancer cells and foreign invaders (bacteria, viruses, etc.). Lymph also transports
infection-fighting white blood cells (lymphocytes).
Lymph nodes Lymph nodes are bean-shaped glands that monitor and cleanse the lymph as it
filters through them. The nodes filter out the damaged cells and cancer cells. These
lymph nodes also produce and store lymphocytes and other immune system cells
that attack and destroy bacteria and other harmful substances in the fluid. You have
about 600 lymph nodes scattered throughout your body. Some exist as a single
node; others are closely connected groups called chains. A few of the more familiar
locations of lymph nodes are in your armpit, groin and neck. Lymph nodes are
connected to others by the lymphatic vessels.
Lymph nodes Lymphatic vessels are the network of capillaries (micro vessels) and a large
network of tubes located throughout your body that transport lymph away from
tissues. Lymphatic vessels collect and filter lymph (at the nodes) as it continues to
move toward larger vessels called collecting ducts. These vessels operate very much
like your veins do: They work under very low pressure, have a series of valves in
them to keep the fluid moving in one direction.
Collecting ducts Lymphatic vessels empty the lymph into the right lymphatic duct and left lymphatic
duct (also called the thoracic duct). These ducts connect to the subclavian vein,
which returns lymph to your bloodstream. The subclavian vein runs below your
collarbone. Returning lymph to the bloodstream helps to maintain normal blood
volume and pressure. It also prevents the excess buildup of fluid around the tissues
(called edema).

4. What outstanding structural differences can be noted between lymph collecting vessels and
veins of the blood vascular system?

The lymphatic system and the venous system both transport body fluids. Veins are part of the closed
circulatory system that takes deoxygenated blood from capillaries in tissues to venules, veins, the heart
and then the lungs, where the blood is resupplied with oxygen and transferred to arteries, arterioles and
then capillaries. Lymph vessels are part of an open-ended system that collects lymph fluid from
peripheral tissues, eventually transferring it to the venous system. Lymph vessels parallel circulatory
vessels in their paths through the body. Structural differences between lymph vessels and veins reflect the
differences between an open and closed system.

5. Lymph channels help drain excess tissue fluid, what complication would you expect to find in
a patient who underwent radical mastectomy with node removal?

A possible long-term effect of lymph node surgery is swelling in the arm or chest called lymphedema.
Because any excess fluid in the arms normally travels back into the bloodstream through the lymph
system, removing the lymph nodes sometimes blocks drainage from the arm, causing this fluid to build
up.

6. List events that occur during inflammatory response and explain their significance.

The inflammatory response (inflammation) occurs when tissues are injured by bacteria, trauma, toxins,
heat, or any other cause. The damaged cells release chemicals including histamine, bradykinin, and
prostaglandins. These chemicals cause blood vessels to leak fluid into the tissues, causing swelling.

7. Define Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a group of blood and lymph tumors that develop from lymphocytes.

8. Define antigen

Substance that induces a state of sensitivity or resistance to infection or toxic substances after a
latent period; substance that stimulates the specific immune system; also called epitope.
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 9. Define hapten

In immunology, haptens are small molecules that elicit an immune response only when attached to a large
carrier such as a protein; the carrier may be one that also does not elicit an immune response by itself (in
general, only large molecules, infectious agents, or insoluble foreign matter can elicit an immune
response in the body).

10. How is tissue fluid returned to the blood stream?

The lymphatic system is a network of delicate tubes throughout the body. It drains fluid (called
lymph) that has leaked from the blood vessels into the tissues and empties it back into the
bloodstream via the lymph nodes.

Total score: ______________

Lomioan, Heinrich BSN 1-J Viduya, Beth

Student’s Name Yr & Sec Date Clinical Instructor

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