Lymphatic System

Organs: Lymphatic capillaries, Lymphatic vessels, Lymphatic nodes & Lymphatic ducts.

Function:     1, Collection of fluid & Protein from tissue spaces & back to
                         blood Stream.

                     2, Filtration of blood & formation of fresh lymphocytes.

                     3, Excretion, Defense, Circulation, etc.

Lymphatic System: A network of vessels that conveys electrolytes, water, proteins, etc, in the form of ‘lymph’ from the tissue fluids to the bloodstream. It consists of fine blind-ended lymphatic capillaries, which unite to form lymphatic vessels; at various points along the lymphatic vessels are `lymph nodes’. lymph drains into the capillaries & passes into the lymphatic vessels ,witch have valves to prevent backflow of lymph. The lymphatic leads to two large channels, the thoracic duct & the right lymphatic duct, which return the lymph to the bloodstream via the in nominate veins.

Lymph: The fluid present within the vessels of the Lymphatic System it consists of the fluid that bathes the tissues, which is derived from the blood & is drained by the lymphatic vessels. Lymph passes through a aeries of filters (lymph nodes) & is ultimately returned to the bloodstream via the thoracic duct. it is a similar in composition to plasma, but contains less protein & some cells, mainly lymphocytes (a variety of white blood cell).

Lymphatic capillaries: Arise in the spaces in the tissues as fine hair-like vessels with porous walls. These gather up excess fluid from the tissues & unite to form the lymphatic vessels.

Lymphatic vessels: The lymphatic vessels are thin-walle, collapsible tubes similar in structure to the veins, but carrying lymph instead of blood.

Lymphatic nodes: A number of small swellings found at intervals along the lymphatic system. They are composed of lymphoid tissue & acts as filters for the lymph, preventing foreign particles from entering the blood stream; they also produce lymphocytes.

Lymphatic ducts: After filtration by the nodes the lymph is emptied by the lymphatic vessels into the two lymphatic ducts, the thoracic duct & right lymphatic duct.

Common Diseases of lymphatic System:

1, Lymphadenitis- Inflammation of lymph nodes (swollen, painful & tender nodes).

2, Lymphangitis- Inflammation of lymphatic vessels.

3, Lymphoma- Malignant tumor of lymph nodes.

  LYMPHATIC SYSTEM

Posted in: lymph node locations,lymph nodes,lymphatic system diseases,lymphatic system functions,lymphatic system organs