THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
By Craig Crawford
THE PARTS OF THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
• The Lymphatic system is composed of several vein-like vessels that circulate
lymph throughout the body to drain cells of excess water and return that
excess water, lymph, to the bloodstream. The Lymphatic system is also
responsible for fighting off infections with T-cells and B-cells. These cells are
also known as lymphocytes; these are the byproduct of the Thymus gland.
As lymph vessels move lymph through the body, the lymph passes through
organs known as lymph nodes. The lymph nodes filter micro-organisms and
bacterium and return lymph to lymph vessels. The thoracic duct takes
cleansed lymph and returns it to the blood supply. The spleen is a kidneyshaped organ that helps fights infection.
THE PARTS OF THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
CONT.
THE MAJOR FUNCTIONS OF THE
LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
• The Lymphatic system is responsible for conserving water secreted by cells.
This water is known as lymph once it enters the lymph vessels. Unlike the
Cardiovascular system, the lymph vessel only circulate in one direction. The
thymus, a gland behind the sternum, is responsible for creating lymphocytes
that help fight infections. The spleen also creates lymphocytes but the spleen
also acts as a filter for foreign particles. All of these functions are part of the
lymphatic system.
INTERACTIONS BETWEEN THE LYMPHATIC
SYSTEM AND OTHER ORGAN SYSTEMS
• The Lymphatic system is responsible for fighting infections via a system of
ducts, vessels, and nodes. The Lymphatic system intertwines with another
system of vessels known as the cardiovascular system. As tissues release
waste fluid, lymph vessels absorb the waste fluid and return them to the
blood supply. The Lymphatic system also interacts with the hematic system to
fight infections.
HOW THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
WORKS
• The lymphatic system absorbs waste fluid from cells by capillary-like vessels
known as lymph vessels. Lymph vessels slowly circulate the waste fluid,
lymph, towards the thoracic duct. As the lymph makes its way to the
thoracic duct, it passes by organs known as lymph nodes. These nodes filter
the lymph for foreign particles until it is ready to return to the blood supply.
Each vessel is like a vein. The vessels have a valve that prevents lymph from
flowing backwards. As you move and breathe, the lymph can circulate to
the spleen, thymus, and the thoracic duct. These actions help the body fight
off infection. The thymus generates B-cells and T-cells. These cells are
responsible for identifying viruses and destroying them. The spleen and the
tonsils are filter-like organs that prevent micro-organisms or particles from
entering the bloodstream.
WORK CITED
• http://legacy.owensboro.kctcs.edu/gcaplan/anat2/notes/APIINo7.jpg
• https://encryptedtbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSV6eYiLyfrAKL9c7pFPY2IvUqbdbTYs
GomPOaEUONr3w5fXxuJ
• http://www.rocketswag.com/medicine/images/How-Does-LymphaticSystem-Work-To-Heal-A-Burn.jpg