LYMPHATIC SYSTEM

CARLO CABRA IMPAL, RMT

LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
( Structure and Function)
Lymphatic system- The lymphatic system assists in circulating
body fluids and helps defend the body against disease-causing
agents.

Composition of the Lymphatic system

-a fluid called lymph
-vessels (Lymphatic vessels) that transports the lymph
-a number of structures that contains the lymphatic tissues
-red bone marrow
Function of the Lymphatic System
The Lymphatic system has 3 primary functions:
1. Drains excess interstitial fluid.
2. Transports dietary lipids.
3. Carries out immune response.
Lymphatic Vessels and Lymphatic
Circulation
Lymph trunks
• 5 principal Lymph
trunks
-lumbar trunk
-intestinal trunk
-bronchomediastinal
trunk
-subclavian trunk
-jugular trunk
Lymphatic Organs and Tissues
• The widely distributed lymphatic organs and tissues are
classified into two groups on their functions.
• PRIMARY LYMPHOID ORGANS- where stem cells divide
and become immunocompetent, that is, capable of
mounting an immune response (Red Bone marrow,
Thymus).
• SECONDARY LYMPHOID ORGANS- the sites where most
of the immune response occurs (lymph nodes, spleen,
lymphatic nodules(follicles)).
THYMUS
• A bilobed organ
located in the
mediastinum
between the sternum
and the aorta.
• CORTEX
• MEDULLA
Positive selection and Negative
selection
Lymph nodes
• are a part of the
lymphatic system, a
component of the body's
immune system. Swollen
lymph nodes may signal
an infection. There are
several groups of lymph
nodes, which are small,
bean-shaped, soft
nodules of tissue.
Spleen
• The spleen is an organ
found in virtually all
vertebrates. Similar in
structure to a large lymph
node, it acts primarily as a
blood filter.The spleen
plays important roles in
regard to red blood cells
(also referred to as
erythrocytes) and the
immune system.
Parts of the Spleen
Lymphatic Nodules
• Egg shaped masses of lymphatic tissues that are not
surrounded by capsule. Because they are scattered
throughout the lamina propria (connective tissue) of
the mucous membranes.
Also referred as Mucosa- associated lymphatic tissue
(MALT).