Lymphatic System (briefly…)

What’s the difference between arteries and Veins Arteries Veins

What’s the difference between arteries and Veins Arteries Veins

Lymphatic System Throughout your body, you have other vessels that like ”dead ends”. They have little valves that take in the interstitial fluid that surrounds them. These are called lymphatic vessels. The fluid inside is called lymph.

Lymphatic System These lymphatic vessels are interwoven with capillaries. The lymphatic system runs throughout the body.

How it all works… The lymphatic system collects and transports waste products and drains them into the circulatory system, near the vena cava.

How it all works… The lymphatic system collects and transports waste products and drains them into the circulatory system, near the vena cava. Lymph flows in an open circuit, and is sent through vessels by the contraction of muscles that surround the vessels (there is no pumping mechanism like in the cardiovascular system). Like veins (but not like arteries), lymphatic vessels have valves to prevent backflow. Lymph has a notable amount of white blood cells.

Lymph capillaries vs vessels vs nodes Lymphatic capillaries is where interstitial fluid is absorbed. It moves everywhere through the body through lymphatic vessels. It then passes through lymph nodes, which are enlarged areas of the lymphatic vessels that are clustered with a high concentration white blood cells.

Lymph nodes Lymph nodes filter the lymph. White blood cells are produced within them, which go on to destroy unrecognized pathogens. You can find lymph nodes in the groin, neck, armpit, tonsils, thymus, spleen, and the walls of the intestine.

Edema This refers to blockages of lymph circulation, resulting in a buildup of fluid. In extreme cases, this can cause very significant swelling. Don’t Google it… just don’t.

What’s the difference between… Interstitial fluid Lymph Plasma

Homework… get out your workbook! Lymphatic System Page 99 – 102 Excretory System Page 103-105 Your notes should help you answer almost every question. Having trouble? Check out your textbook (that big heavy thing that’s been sitting at the bottom of your locker).