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 kidney- shaped 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://encrypted- tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSV6eYiLyfrAKL9c7pFPY2IvUqbdbTYs GomPOaEUONr3w5fXxuJ http://www.rocketswag.com/medicine/images/How-Does-Lymphatic- System-Work-To-Heal-A-Burn.jpg