OverviewThe Lymphatic system is a network of vessels and organs that filters and returns interstitial fluid to blood circulation.

•It prevents fluid build-up (edema)

•It protects the body against pathogens.

•It absorbs fats from the intestine and transports them to the bloodstream

The Lymphatic SystemSection 1, Chapter 16

Lymphatic Pathways

•The lymphatic system begins at lymphatic capillaries

•Lymphatic capillaries convey lymph towards lymphatic vessels

•Lymph passes through lymph nodes, where it is filtered and monitored for pathogens.

•Large lymphatic vessels (collecting ducts) ultimately return lymph to venous circulation.

Lymphatic Capillaries

•Lymphatic capillaries are closed-ended vessels closely interlaced with blood capillaries.

•They collect fluid forced out of blood capillaries (interstitial fluid) and return it to venous circulation.

Lymphatic Capillaries

Structure•Simple squamous epithelium (endothelium) anchored to connective tissue.

From arteriole

To venule

Interstitial space

l;

Blood capillary

Lymphatic capillary

lymph Excess fluid enters through one-way valves

To Lymphatic vessel

Formation of Lymph

Hydrostatic pressure

Hydrostatic pressure moves plasma out of blood capillaries into the interstitial space.

Osmotic pressure

Osmotic pressure only reabsorbs some of the lost fluid from interstitial space.

Lymphatic Vessels

Structure: Lymphatic vessels are similar to veins, but thinner.3 Layers: Tunica interna – endothelium and one-way valves

Tunica media – smooth muscles and elastic fibers

Tunica externa – connective tissue

lymph

Lymphatic Vessel with a flap-like valve. Arrow shows direction of lymph flow.

Lymphatic Trunks

•Larger vessels lead to lymph nodes and then to larger lymphatic trunks•Lymphatic trunks are named for the body region they drain.

•Lumbar Trunk – drains lymph from lower limbs and pelvic organs•Intestinal Trunk– drains abdominal viscera

•Bronchomediastinal Trunk – drains portions of the thorax

•Subclavian Trunk – drains upper limbs•Jugular Trunk – drains portions of the neck and head

Lymphatic Trunks

Collecting Ducts

Two Collecting ducts empty lymph from lymphatic trunks into venous circulation.• Thoracic Duct

• Originates at the abdomen and empties into the left subclavian vein.• Drains lymph from entire lower body: lumbar and intestinal trunks• Also drains lymph from left upper limb, and left head and neck.

• Right Lymphatic Duct• Originates in right thorax and empties into the right subclavian vein.• Drains lymph from right upper limb, and right head and neck.

Figure 16.6 Lymphatic pathways. The right lymphatic duct drains lymph from the upper right side of the body (in red), whereas the thoracic duct drains lymph from the rest of the body.

Collecting Ducts

Figure 16.7 The lymphatic pathway. This pathway is true for both right and left sides.

The Lymphatic Pathway

Muscle activity largely influences the movement of lymph through the lymphatic vessels via:

• Action of skeletal muscles• Respiratory movements• Smooth muscle in the larger lymphatic vessels• Valves in the lymphatic vessels

Lymph Movement

• Lymph nodes are located along the lymphatic pathways

• They contain lymphocytes and macrophages to fight invading pathogens

Lymph Nodes

Lymph enters and leaves a lymph node through lymphatic vessels.• Afferent Vessels –convey lymph towards lymph node• Efferent Vessels – convey lymph away from lymph node.

Lymph Node Structure

Capsule of connective tissue (c.t.).• Trabiculae = c.t. partitions

trabiculae

Hilum • Entrance for blood vessels and nerves• Efferent vessels leave from the hilum

Cortex (outer layer)• Nodules = dense populations of B-cells and macrophages

Medulla (inner layer)• Reticulum• T-cells

Sinuses• Complex channels through

which lymph circulates• Interlaced with reticular fibers.

Locations of Lymph NodesThere are about 450 lymph nodes throughout the body.

• Cervical region – filter lymph from the face and scalp

• Axillary region – filters lymph from upper limbs, thorax, and mammary glands

• Supratrochlear region – filter lymph from forearms• Enlarges in children in response to cuts on the hand

• Inguinal region – filters lymph from lower limbs and external genitalia

• Pelvic cavity – filter lymph from internal pelvic organs

• Abdominal cavity –filter lymph from abdominal viscera

• Thoracic cavity – filter lymph from thoracic viscera

Locations of Lymph Nodes

Figure 16.11 Major locations of lymph nodes

Functions of Lymph Nodes1. Filter particles from lymph before

returning it to the blood stream

2. Monitor body fluids (immune surveillance)

3. Lymphocyte production.

Obstruction of Lymph Flow

Axillary lymph nodes are often removed during a mastectomy to prevent the metastasis of breast cancer to other regions in the body.

This can obstruct the drainage of lymph from the upper arm, resulting in edema.

MALTMucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) – lymphatic nodules associated with the mucous membranes (i.e. digestive, respiratory, genitourinary tracts)

Tonsils – encapsulated lymphoid tissues

Peyer’s Patches – common in the ilium portion of the small intestine

Appendix – contains aggregations of lymphatic nodules

Two lymphatic nodules of the Peyer’s Patches in the small intestine.

Individual lymphatic nodules are also found along the mucosal membrane.

Thymus• The thymus

• Is enlarged in childhood, then atrophies in adult hood.• It is the site of T-cell production• Secretes Thymosin, which promotes the maturation of T-cells.

Figure 16.13 Compared to other thoracic organs, the thymus in the fetus is large, but in the adult is small. Figure is not to scale.

The Spleen

The spleen is the largest lymphatic organ.

It is located in the upper left abdominal quadrant, just inferior to the diaphragm.

The spleen’s primary function is to filter blood, remove old red blood cells, and house lymphocytes.

Its structure resembles a large lymph node.

The SpleenCapsule of connective tissue (c.t.).• Trabiculae = c.t. partitions

Venous Sinuses• Complex channels through which blood circulates• Interlaced with reticular fibers.

Hilum • Entrance for blood vessels and nerves

White Pulp• Lymphatic Nodules (packed with lymphocytes)

Red Pulp• Abundant Red Blood Cells (RBCs)• Removes old RBCs from circulation• Contains many lymphocytes and macrophages

End of Section 1, Chapter 16