lymphatic

Functions & Structures

The lymphatic system transports ßuids to blood and acts as the bodies defence mechanism and
Þght against disease. It soaks up extra tissue ßuid and returns it back into the bloodstream. Fat-
glycerol and fatty acids are absorbed by lymphatic system maintains, creates and dispense
lymphocytes (T + B cells) which help protect the body against pathogens.
What are the structures?
1. Lymph nodes & vessels: Protect the body from foreign objects by removing pathogen like
bacteria
2. Lymph: It is made up of hormones, carbon dioxide, lymphocytes, metabolic waste, water,
nutrients and salts
3. Spleen: Its job is to Þlter the blood of viruses and bacteria, while destroying worn out red
blood cells, create blood in gestation and provide storage for blood
4. Tonsils: Catch and get rid of waste and foreign substances near the pharynx
5. Thymus: It highly functions only during childhood and site of maturing T-cells

Each lymph has 3 regions: Lymphatic Vessels

1. Cortical zone: lies at the periphery below the capsule
2. Medullary zone: lies in the central part of the lymph node
3. Paracortical or juxtamedullary or deep cortex : lies
between the outer cortex & inner medulla
Lymphatic Ducts & Drainage
The two main types of lymphocytes are T and B cells. The
main purpose in the body is to Þght infections. There are
many lymphatic ducts in the body. The thoracic duct is
Endothelial cells form overlapping
one-way valves that allow entry of
ßuids and solutes but proven their
return to the inner cellular spaces
formed from merging capillaries.
Lymphatic capillaries are tiny, thin
walled very permeable micro-
vessels which is located in spaces
between cells .

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located near the cisterna chyli and drains the rest of the
body. The right lymphatic duct drains the upper right

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arm and the right side of the cephalic and thorax. Adenoids
Meanwhile, both the thoracic duct and the right Tonsils
lymphatic duct empties lymph drainage into the venous

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circulation by the jugular and subclavian veins on each
side of the body. Contractions of smooth muscles in the
walls of the lymphatics is how the body drains itself.

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How does the body protect itself? Thymus

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Axillary
The lymphatic system protects our body through lymph
immunity! Bronchus nodes
Adaptive Immunity: It is the bodyÕs 3rd line of defence. associated
There are 2 types of adaptive immunity, these are cell- lymphoid
mediated and antibody-mediated (humoral) Spleen
tissues
1. Antibody-mediated Immunity: Involves the activation
of B cells and secretion of antibodies when in contact
with a pathogen. When exposed to the chemicals Intestine
released by activated helper T cells, a sensitized B cell Peters
divides, producing daughter cells that differentiate into patches
memory B cells and plasma cells. Appendix
2. Cell-mediated immunity: It allows adoption and Bone morrow Inguinal
formation of cytotoxic T cells which Þght against cancer lymph node
cells, foreign object transplant and pathogens.