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4 The Lymphatic System

By: Nurul Hidayah bt Md Yusof

 Learning Outcomes
• Describe the formation of interstitial fluid
• State the composition of the interstitial fluid
• State the importance of the interstitial fluid
• Describe the fate of interstitial fluid
• Describe the structure of the lymphatic system
• Explain how the lymphatic system complements the circulatory
system
• Predict what will happen if interstitial fluid fails to return to the
circulatory system
• Conceptualize the relationship between the lymphatic system
and circulatory system
 Formation of The Interstitial Fluid
• Blood that enters the arterial end of a
capillary is under high pressure.
• The pressure is sufficient to cause
interstitial fluid to leak continuously
from the blood into the spaces between
the cell.
• The exchange of materials between
blood capillaries and cells occurs
through the fluid.
• Nutrients and oxygen diffuse from the
blood through the fluid into body cell.
• Waste products and carbon dioxide
diffuse from body cells through the
fluid into the blood.
 Composition of Interstitial Fluid
• Interstitial fluid consists of water, dissolved nutrients,
hormones, waste products, gases, and small proteins from the
blood.
• It does not contain the plasma proteins albumin, globulin and
fibrinogen, or the erythrocytes and platelets (too large to pass
through the capillaries).
• Contains leucocytes which can ooze through the openings
between capillary cells.
• At the venous end of capillary, blood plasma is hypertonic and
the pressure is lower so, water, mineral salts and waste products
flow back in to the capillary.
• The fluid must be returned to the circulatory system to maintain
normal blood volume.
 Importance of Interstitial Fluid
• The phagocytes in the interstitial fluid destroy any
microorganisms present.
• The medium for the exchange of nutrients, waste products
and respiratory gases between the body cells and the
capillaries.
 The Structure of The Lymphatic System
• The lymphatic system is a network of lymph capillaries and large
vessels.
• Lymph capillaries are blind-ended tubes or closed at one end which
located in the spaces between the cells.
• Lymph is a transparent yellowish fluid.
• Lymphatic vessels which is the union of lymph capillaries are one way
valves that ensure the continuous flow of the lymph away from the
tissues and prevent the back flow of lymph.
• Lymph nodes are located at the intervals along the lymphatic vessels.
• Lymph nodes produce and store lymphocytes. Hence, they help to
defend the body against infection.
• Right lymphatic duct receives lymph from the right arm, shoulder area,
and the right side of the head and neck.
• Thoracic duct receives lymph
from the left of the head, neck,
and chest, the upper limb and
the entire body below the
limbs.
• Thoracic duct empties its
lymph into the left subclavian
vein and the right lymphatic
duct empties its lymph into the
right subclavian vein.
• Hence, lymph drains back into
the blood.
 Failure of Interstitial Fluid to Return to
Circulatory System
• This can happen when there is an obstruction in the lymph
flow due to the infected lymph nodes or blockage in the
lymphatic vessels.
• The interstitial fluid accumulates in the spaces between the
cells causing swelling of the affected part. The condition is
called oedema.
• Oedema usually occurs in old people,
• Pregnant woman and also in people who stand for long hours.
Relationship between the Lymphatic System and
Circulatory System
• The lymphatic system is connected to the circulatory system
by the left and right subclavian veins.
• Hence, the lymph in the lymphatic system can be returned to
the circulatory system.
• In other words, the lymphatic system helps the circulatory
system in transport processes. Therefore, the lymphatic system
complements the circulatory system.
The End…