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 Fights infections

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 worn- out 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 surrounded by a cortex.

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.