Many different organs and systems work

together in an effort to keep us alive and healthy.

In this ongoing struggle, the lymphatic system
plays a central role.
The lymphatic system is an extensive drainage
network that helps keep bodily fluid levels in
balance, defends the body against infections,
and assists in tissue repairs.

 The production, maintenance and distribution of

lymphocytes.
to defend the body against disease by producing
lymphocytes
The lymphocytes (small white blood cells), protect
the body against antigens (viruses, bacteria, etc.) that
invade the body.
Lymphocytes are produced and stored within
lymphoid organs, such as the spleen, thymus and
bone marrow.

 The return of fluid and solutes from the

peripheral tissues of the blood.
to collect and return interstitial fluid (tissue
fluid), including plasma protein to the blood,
and thus help maintain fluid balance.
The return of fluids through the lymphatic
system maintains normal blood volume.

 The distribution of hormones, nutrients

and waste products from their tissues to
the general circulation.
to absorb lipids from the intestine and
transport them to the blood.
Substances that are unable to enter the
blood stream directly can do so via the
lymphatic vessels.

 3 components
1. Vessels A network of lymphatic vessels that begins in the peripheral
tissues and connects to the venous system.

2. Fluid
Called Lymph (clear and watery), flows through the lymphatic
vessels.
Lymph Fluid contains:
Fluid from the intestines (chyme), which contains proteins and fats.
Red blood cells
White blood cells, especially lymphocytes, the cells that attack
bacteria in the blood

3. Lymphoid organs Lymphoid organs are connected to the lymphatic vessels and
contain large numbers of lymphocytes. (Ex. Lymph nodes,
spleen and thymus).

 Carry lymph from the peripheral tissues to the

venous system in all parts of the body except the
CNS (central nervous system).
The smallest vessels are called lymphatic
capillaries. These capillaries carry lymph to the
larger lymphatic vessels.
The lymphatic vessels ultimately empty into two
large collecting ducts: thoracic duct and right
lymphatic duct.

 Lymph organs include the bone marrow, lymph

nodes, spleen, and thymus.
Human lymph nodes, called lymph glands and swollen
glands, are bean-shaped and range in size from a few
millimetres to about 1-2 cm in their normal state.
They may become enlarged due to a tumor or
infection.
White blood cells are located within honeycomb
structures of the lymph nodes.
Spleen- The spleen, which is located in the upper left
part of the abdomen under the ribcage, works as part
of the lymphatic system to protect the body.
It clears worn out red blood cells and other foreign
bodies from the bloodstream to help fight off infection.

 TonsilThe tonsils are areas of lymphoid

tissue on either side of the throat.
An infection of the tonsils is called
tonsillitis.
Thymus- an organ located in the upper
anterior portion of the chest cavity just
behind the sternum.
Hormones produced by this organ
stimulate the production of certain
infection-fighting cells.

 Through the hormones it produces, the thyroid

gland (thyroid) influences almost all of the
metabolic processes in your body.
Thyroid disorders can range from a small,
harmless goiter (enlarged gland) that needs no
treatment to life-threatening cancer.
The most common thyroid problems involve
abnormal production of thyroid hormones.
Too much of these vital body chemicals results in
a condition known as hyperthyroidism.
Insufficient hormone production leads to
hypothyroidism.

Lymph Nodes
What are Lymph Nodes
Lymph nodes or glands are fleshy pea
sized structures found in groups or chains
throughout the body. The nodes in the
neck, armpits and groins are easily felt.
They are linked by special lymph channels
that drain into the blood going to the right
side of the heart.

What are the functions of the

Lymph Glands?
The main function of the lymph glands is to
trap infection and foreign material by
acting like a sieve. The Lymphocytes in
the nodes produce particular antibodies
that help to fight infection and provide
immunity (resistance) against infection.

What are the Functions of Lymph

Glands?
Unlike blood flow which is circulated by the
heart, the lymph system does not have its own
pump and relies on muscle action to move it
around.
The actual movement of lymph is very slow, with
only about 3 litres entering the bloodstream
every 24 hours about the same amount as the
fluid lost to the tissue spaces from the
bloodstream in the same period