The Lymphatic System

By: Seraphín and Emma

Network of vessels that: - Collect fluids lost by blood & returns it to

circulatory system.

- Clears away infection.

- Keeps body fluids in balance.

What is it?

1. Fluid from circulatory system leaks into tissue.

2. Lymph (fluid) collects in lymphatic capillaries.

3. Slowly flows into larger lymph vessels.

The Process of the Lymphatic System I

4. Lymph vessels - contain valves

5. Valves- prevent lymph from flowing backward.

6. Ducts collect lymph & return it to circulatory system.

7. Lymph goes through 2 openings in superior vena cava.

Process of Lymphatic System II

The Lymphatic system is not a closed system.

It carries fluid through all parts of the body.

See the blue.

Act as filters.

-trap bacteria that cause disease.

-“swollen glands” are swollen lymph nodes. (colds)

-house specialized white blood cells called lymphocytes.

Lymph Nodes

Return excess fluid to circulation.

Nutrient absorption.-Lie near cells that line intestine &

absorb: fats and fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K).

-from the digestive tract. -carry them to the blood.

Lymph Vessels

Small intestine – where the white lines are lymph vessels that absorb nutrients.

The small white patch with LN in it is a Lymph node.

Mass of lymphatic tissue.

Acts as a blood filter.

Destroys damaged red blood cells and platelets.

Spleen

Produces & ‘educates’ T- Cells . T- cells are white blood cells - produce hormones to promote development. Bone marrow also produces the cells in

lymph-they both work together

Thymus

Largest lymphatic vessel in body.

Collects most of the lymph.

Drains lymph into the blood.

Connected to the Superior Vena Cava.

Thoracic Duct

Lymphedema- - Occurs when lymphatic vessels are blocked. - If fluid builds in tissues, starts to swell. - Primary cause– present at birth, most

common in females

Others problems include:infections, blockage, and cancer. E.g.

Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Diseases in the Lymph System

Lymphedema

Symptoms

More than 3 liters of fluid leak from the circulatory system into surrounding tissues every day.

It is VERY important that there is a steady flow of lymph through out

Lymph means ‘white’ in Greek Lymph is not directly pumped by the heart,

it has its own system that flows upward toward the neck from the feet and hands.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTXTDqvPnRk

Facts