Lymphatic System Overview

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Definition of Lymph

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Lymph refers to 'clear fluids' and describes the fluid that flows through the lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes.

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Components of the Lymphatic System

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The lymphatic system consists of lymph, lymph vessels, lymph nodes, lymphatic tissue, lymphatic organs, and bone marrow.

Front

Functions of the Lymphatic System

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Tissue drainage, return of excess tissue fluid and plasma proteins to the blood, absorption of fats and fat-soluble materials, and immunity.

Front

Role of Lymph in the Body

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The composition of lymph and interstitial fluid is the same; lymph is formed when fluid passes from interstitial spaces into lymphatic vessels.

Front

Structure of Lymph Capillaries

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Lymph capillaries originate as blind-ended tubes in interstitial spaces, have a single layer of endothelial cells, and are more permeable to interstitial fluid.

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Structure of Larger Lymph Vessels

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Larger lymph vessels have walls similar to those of small veins, with a fibrous covering, smooth muscle, elastic tissue, and numerous one-way valves.

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Explain the movement of lymph.

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Movement occurs through the intrinsic ability of the muscle layer in large lymph vessels to contract, aided by muscle contractions and the pulsation of arteries.

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The Right Lymphatic Duct is responsible for draining lymph from...

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It opens to the right subclavian vein and drains lymph from the right half of the thorax, head, neck, and right arm.

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Thoracic duct is responsible for draining lymph from...

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It begins at the cisterna chyli, opens into the left subclavian vein, and drains lymph from both legs, the pelvic and abdominal cavities, and the left side of the body.

Front

Structure of Lymph Nodes

Back

Lymph nodes are oval and bean-shaped, covered by a fibroelastic capsule, and consist of reticular and lymphatic tissue.