The Lymphatic System By Kristin James, Alex Christiansen, & Saundra Thomson

FUN FACTS!!!  The lymphatic system returns about 3.17 quarts (3 liters) of fluid each day from the tissues to the circulatory system.  Production of lymphocytes (immune system) takes place in the bone marrow.  The B-cells are known to fight off pathogenic bacteria. However, a special type of B-cells known as memory B-cells protect the body from attack by similar pathogens in the future.

Purposes of the Lymphatic System  The lymphatic system aids the immune system in removing unwanted waste from the body  The Lymphatic System is known as the drainage system because it removes excess fluids that cause harm to the body  It also absorbs fats and fat-soluble vitamins from the digestive system

The Process:  Blood carries oxygen, nutrients and hormones for our cells  Blood Plasma flows with the blood, then separates to reach the cells through body tissue and deliver its nutrients  90% of the plasma goes to the cells this fluid is now known as interstitial fluid the other 10% is Lymph

Lymph:  Lymph, (a.k.a “blood plasma”) a milky- white to yellow, watery liquid, is the main component of the lymphatic system.  The liquid originates from blood, it contains oxygen, proteins, glucose and white blood cells.  It delivers nutrients to the cells, and removes undigested protein from the cells.

Lymphatic Capillaries:  Lypmh has to enter the lymphatic system using these specialized capillaries  They begin as “blind-ended” tubes that are about as thick as a single cell  Each cell is fastened to nearby tissues by an anchoring filament, where they turn into lymphatic vessels

Lymphatic Vessels  Lymphatic vessels are larger versions of lymphatic capillaries  They’re located deeper in the body near major blood veins  The vessels are also known as lymphangions

Lymph Nodes  There are between lymph nodes present in the average human body  Their job is to filter lymph  The nodes is the last stop of cancer cells, where they are trapped and destroyed- until overwhelmed  Although these nodes can increase or decrease in size throughout life, any nodes that has been damaged or destroyed, does not regenerate.

LAB!!  Turn to a partner and play hot hands  What do you think is happening beneath the skin when your hands start reddening?

Lymphocytes  Lymphocytes is a type of white blood cell, and they form lymph tissue.  Lymphoid tissue defends the body against the infections and spread of tumors.  B-lymphocytes (B-cells) and T-lymphocytes (T- cells).  The T-cells are known to fight off the infection of viruses.  B-cells take care of pathogenic bacteria.

Major Body Parts:  Thymus: Located towards the basal of the heart, made up of lymphatic tissue, and takes part in the development of the immune system  Tonsils: This organ of the lymphatic system is located in the back of the throat.  Adenoids: The adenoids can be described as a mass of lymphoid tissue that is situated by the tonsils.

Diseases and Infections  Elephantiasis  Mesenteric lymphadenitis  Castle-man Disease  Tonsillitis  Lymphodenpathy  Lymphoma

Vocabulary to remember:  Lymphatic System: the system by which lymph is returned from the cells to the bloodwhich  Lymphatics: A lymphatic Vessel  Thoracic duct: the main trunk of the lymphatic system, passing along the spinal column

Vocabulary:  Lymphocytes: a type of white blood cell with a sphereical structure  Lymphadenopathy: swollen lymph nodes  Lymphadema: Cancer of the lymph nodes  Elephantiasis: a chronic filarial disease resulting in lymphatic obstruction, characterized by marked enlargement of the parts affected, especially of the legs

Bibliography   body/systems/lymphatic/question138.htm body/systems/lymphatic/question138.htm  does-lymphatic-system-work.html does-lymphatic-system-work.html  ses.html ses.html  es.nsf/pages/Lymphatic_system es.nsf/pages/Lymphatic_system  leen_lymphatic.html# leen_lymphatic.html#  System html System html  facts.html facts.html