LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
HANDOUTS
INTRODUCTION
The lymphatic system is a network of
tissues, vessels and organs that work together
to move a colorless, watery fluid called lymph
back into your circulatory system (your
bloodstream).
Some 20 liters of plasma flow through your
body’s arteries and smaller arteriole blood
vessels and capillaries every day. After
delivering nutrients to the body’s cells and
tissues and receiving their waste products,
about 17 liters are returned to the circulation by
way of veins. The remaining three liters seep
through the capillaries and into your body’s
tissues. The lymphatic system collects this
excess fluid, now called lymph, from tissues in
your body and moves it along until it's
ultimately returned to your bloodstream.
Lymphatic System Key Functions
Maintains fluid levels in your body
Absorbs fats from the digestive tract
Protects your body against foreign invaders
Transports and removes waste products
and abnormal cells from the lymph.
FLOW OF LYMPH
Lymph enters a lymph node through
several afferent lymphatic vessels. It then
passes through the cortex, paracortex, and
medulla of the node, and exits on the opposite
side through a single efferent lymphatic vessel.
PARTS OF LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
Lymph: also called lymphatic fluid, is a
collection of the extra fluid that drains from
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: 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.
Lymphatic vessels: the network of
capillaries (microvessels) 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.
Collecting ducts: Lymphatic vessels empty Appendix: Your appendix contains
the lymph into the right lymphatic duct and lymphoid tissue that can destroy bacteria
left lymphatic duct (also called the thoracic before it breaches the intestine wall during
duct). These ducts connect to the absorption.
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.

Spleen: This largest lymphatic organ is

located on your left side under your ribs
and above your stomach. The spleen filters
and stores blood and produces white blood DISEASES AND DISORDERS
cells that fight infection or disease. Lymphadenopathy or Enlarged (swollen)
lymph nodes - caused by infection,
Thymus: This organ is located in the upper inflammation, or cancer. Common
chest beneath the breast bone. It matures a infections that can cause enlarged lymph
specific type of white blood cell that fights nodes to include strep throat,
off foreign organisms. mononucleosis, HIV infection, and infected
skin wounds.
Tonsils and adenoid: These lymphoid
organs trap pathogens from the food you
eat and the air you breathe. They are your
body’s first line of defense against foreign
invaders.

Bone marrow: This is the soft, spongy

tissue in the center of certain bones, such
as the hip bone and breastbone. White
blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets are
made in the bone marrow.
Peyer’s patches: These are small masses
of lymphatic tissue in the mucous
membrane that lines your small intestine.
These lymphoid cells monitor and destroy
bacteria in the intestines.
Lymphedema or Swelling or
accumulation of fluid - It most commonly
occurs in the arms and legs. Lymphatic
system blockages can cause lymphedema
due to scar tissue, tumors, or damaged
lymph nodes or lymph vessels.
Lymphedema can also occur when lymph PROPER CARE
nodes are surgically removed or subjected to
radiation during cancer treatment. Severe
Drink plenty of water
lymphedema can be painful, disabling, and
Drinking sufficient water throughout the day
disfiguring and can put a person at risk of
encourages healthy lymphatic function. It will
serious infections.
keep the lymph flowing through your system to
filter out toxins.

Nutrient-rich diet
Prioritising a diet rich in fresh fruit and
vegetables and limiting processed foods and
beverages can improve overall health by
supporting healthy detoxification, boosting the
immune system and promoting optimal lymph
Lymphoma is a general term for cancer
function.
that starts in the lymphatic system.
Lymphoma develops when white blood
Avoid exposure to toxic chemicals
cells called lymphocytes grow out of
like those in pesticides or cleaning products.
control.
These chemicals can build up in your system
and make it harder for your body to filter
Lymphangitis is an infection and
waste.
inflammation of the lymph vessels that
stems from a primary infection. One of the
Exercise
outstanding symptoms of lymphangitis is
The contraction of your muscles becomes the
red streaks. You will notice reddish stripes
pump that helps the fluid get around your body.
extending from the injury site to areas
Exercise can help the lymphatic system flow
where you have a lot of lymph glands,
more effectively and potentially help prevent
especially the groin and armpits. They may
infections and other diseases, like cancer.
be common if you have an existing skin
infection.

Tonsillitis: An infection and inflammation of

the tonsils in the throat.

Blanco, Cecil Bernadine

Flores, Mary Jahnesa
Villa, Shzym Gabrielle
STEM 12 F