Transcript LYMPHATIC SYSTEM Period 3 - Mercer Island School District

LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
Period 3
Nicole C., Grant C., Gia S. and Brett C.
Lymphatic System Definition
The lymphatic system is part of the circulatory system and a
vital part of the immune system. It comprises a network of
lymphatic vessels that carry a clear fluid called lymph (from
Latin, lympha meaning water) directionally towards the heart.
Main Functions
• Drains excess fluids and proteins from your body and returns them to your
bloodstream
• Responsible for the removal of [interstitial fluid] from tissues
• Absorbs and transports fatty acids and fats as [chyle] from the digestive
system
• Transports white blood cells to and from the lymph nodes into the bones
• Roughly 600 lymph nodes in the body
• Removes waste products produced by cells
Main Organs
● The spleen- Largest organ in the lymphatic system. Located in the upper left
part of the abdomen under the ribcage. It protects the body by clearing wornout red blood cells and other foreign bodies from the bloodstream to help fight
off infection.
● The tonsils- Located at the rear of the throat and nasal cavity. Tonsils are
masses of lymphoid tissue and since they are a part of the immune system,
they help fight infections.
● The appendix- Located in the lower-right area of the abdomen. It is a pouch of
lymphatic tissue attached to the large intestine. It does not appear to have
much lymphatic function in humans minus the ability to release some mucus
into the large intestine.
Main Organs
● The lymph nodes- Located in tonsils, adenoids,
armpits, neck, groin and mediastinum. Produce
lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, and
contain macrophages, which are cells that
digest cellular debris, pathogens and other
unknown substances.
● The lymph vessels- Walled, valved structures
that carry lymph, a colorless fluid that carries
white blood cells, around the whole body
● The thymus- Located in thoracic cavity right
below the neck. It is made up of two lobes of
lymphoid tissue. Each lobe has a medulla
How it works with other systems
The lymphatic system consists of organs, ducts, and nodes. It
transports a watery clear fluid called lymph. This fluid
distributes immune cells and other factors throughout the
body. It also interacts with the blood circulatory system to
drain fluid from cells and tissues.
Disorders/Diseases that can affect it
• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Cancer that starts in the lymphocytes
• Mononucleosis (AKA Mono or the kissing disease)
Abnormally high proportion of monocytes in the blood
• Lymphedema
A lymphatic obstruction that causes swelling in an arm or leg.
• Lymphadenitis
Infection of the lymph nodes caused by a virus, bacteria, or
fungi.