The Lymphatic System

Nursing Department
 Objective

• List the components of the lymphatic system.

• Describe the functions of the lymphatic system.
• Distinguish between primary and secondary lymphatic organs.
 Components of the Lymphatic System

The lymphatic or lymphoid system consists of:

1. A fluid called lymph.

2. vessels called lymphatic vessels that transport the lymph.
3. A number of structures and organs containing lymphatic tissue
(lymphocytes within a filtering tissue), and red bone marrow.
 Cont.

• The lymphatic system assists in circulating body fluids and helps defend
the body against disease-causing agents.
 Functions of the Lymphatic System

1. Drains excess interstitial fluid.

2. Transports dietary lipids.
3. Carries out immune responses.
 Lymphatic Vessels and
Lymph Circulation

• Lymphatic vessels begin as lymphatic capillaries. These capillaries, which

are located in the spaces between cells.

• Lymphatic capillaries are found throughout the body except in avascular

tissues, the central nervous system, portions of the spleen, and bone marrow.
 Cont.

• Lymph Trunks and Ducts The principal trunks are the lumbar, intestinal,
Broncho mediastinal, subclavian, and jugular trunks
 Lymphatic Organs
and Tissues

The widely distributed lymphatic organs and tissues are classified into two
groups based on their functions.

1. Primary lymphatic organs:

The primary lymphatic organs are:
 Cont.

the red bone marrow (in flat bones and the epiphyses of long bones of
adults).
And the thymus.
 Cont.

2. The secondary lymphatic organs:

And tissues are the sites where most immune responses occur. They include:

 lymph nodes.
 the spleen.
 lymphatic nodules (follicles).
 Cont.

The thymus, lymph nodes, and spleen are considered organs because each is

surrounded by a connective tissue capsule; lymphatic nodules, in contrast,

are not considered organs because they lack a capsule.
 Thymus

• The thymus is a bilobed organ located in the mediastinum between the sternum
and the aorta.

• An enveloping layer of connective tissue holds the two lobes closely together,
but a connective tissue capsule encloses each lobe separately. Extensions of the
capsule, called trabeculae, penetrate inward and divide each lobe into lobules.
 Cont.

• Immature T cells (pre-T cells) migrate from red bone marrow to the cortex
of the thymus.

• Additionally, they produce thymic hormones that are thought to aid in the
maturation of T cells.

• Thymic macrophages help clear out the debris of dead and dying cells.
 Lymph Nodes

• Located along lymphatic vessels are about 600 bean-shaped lymph nodes.
They are scattered throughout the body, both superficially and deep, and
usually occur in groups.

• Large groups of lymph nodes are present near the mammary glands and in the
axillae and groin.
 Cont.

• Lymph nodes are 1–25 mm (0.04–1 in.) long and, like the thymus, are
covered by a capsule of dense connective tissue that extends into the node.

• The capsular extensions, called trabeculae, divide the node into

compartments, provide support, and provide a route for blood vessels into
the interior of a node.
 Cont.

• Internal to the capsule is a supporting network of reticular fibers and

fibroblasts.

• The parenchyma (functioning part) of a lymph node is divided into:

• A superficial cortex and
• A deep medulla.
 Cont.

• The cortex consists of :

1. an outer cortex and

2. an inner cortex.

• The medulla of a lymph node contains B cells, antibody-producing

plasma cells that have migrated out of the cortex into the medulla.
 Spleen

• The oval spleen is the largest single mass of lymphatic tissue in the body.
It is a soft , encapsulated organ of variable size, but on average it fits in a
person’s open hand and measures about 12 cm (5 in.) in length.

• It is located in the left hypochondriac region between the stomach and

diaphragm.
 Cont.

• Like lymph nodes, the spleen has a hilum. Through it pass the splenic artery,
splenic vein, and efferent lymphatic vessels.

• The parenchyma of the spleen consists of two different kinds of tissue called white
pulp and red pulp.

• Blood flowing into the spleen through the splenic artery enters the central arteries
of the white pulp.
 Lymphatic Nodules

• Lymphatic nodules (follicles): Are egg shaped masses of lymphatic

tissue that are not surrounded by a capsule. Because they are scattered
throughout the lamina propria (connective tissue) of mucous membranes
lining the gastrointestinal, urinary, and reproductive tracts and the
respiratory airways, lymphatic nodules in these areas are also referred to
as mucosa associated lymphatic tissue (MALT).
 Cont.

• Among these are the tonsils in the pharyngeal region and the aggregated
lymphatic follicles (Peyer’s patches) in the ileum of the small intestine.

• Aggregations of lymphatic nodules also occur in the appendix.

 Cont.

• Usually there are five tonsils, which form a ring at the junction of the oral
cavity and oropharynx and at the junction of the nasal cavity and
nasopharynx.

• The single pharyngeal tonsil or adenoid is embedded in the posterior

wall of the nasopharynx.
 Cont.

• The two palatine tonsils (lie at the posterior region of the oral cavity, one
on either side; these are the tonsils commonly removed in a tonsillectomy.

• The paired lingual tonsil, located at the base of the tongue, may also
require removal during a tonsillectomy.
System Review
Choose Correct answer?

1- The lymphatic or lymphoid system 2- The primary lymphatic organs are -----
consists of except the -------
A. The red bone marrow.
A.Vessels called lymphatic vessels.
B. B. lymph nodes.
B. Pituitary, thyroid.
C. C. the spleen.
C. A fluid called lymph.
D. D.lymphatic nodules (follicles).
D.Lymphatic tissue.
.
 Cont.
2- spleen located in the. -----
2- The thymus is a bilobed organ located in
A.left hypochondriac region between the stomach and diaphragm.
the…......
B.right hypochondriac region between the stomach and
A.
between the nose and the aye. diaphragm.

B.
between the sternum and the carotid. C.superior hypochondriac region between the stomach and
diaphragm.
C.
mediastinum between the sternum and the aorta..
D.inferior hypochondriac region between the stomach and
D.
between the sternum and the ribs.
diaphragm .