Lymphatic System
Functions of the Lymphatic System Fluid Balance - returns interstitial fluid to the blood Fat [and fat soluble vitamins] Absorption - from the digestive tract via lacteals into the venous circulation Immunity - using lymphocytes & phagocytes microorganisms are filtered and removed from circulation
Components Lymph - fluid similar to plasma Lymphatic Vessels - begin with blind-ended sacs at capillaries, and merge to form lymphatic vessels - similar to veins in structure. Vessels merge and drain into ‘trunks’ which dump lymph into ducts –right lymphatic duct –thoracic duct
Lymphatic Organs Lymph Nodes - round, oval or bean shaped, less than 2.5 cm in length. Distributed throughout body, except for CNS & bone marrow.
Lymphatic Organs Tonsils - 3 groups: pharyngeal [adenoids], palatine, lingual Spleen - filters blood, not lymph Thymus Appendix
Human T-Lymphocyte
Immunity [Latin: immunis = exempt] 2 main functions: recognition & response can be innate - born with - will not be specific or acquired / adaptive - will be specific, due to memory [long or short term memory] Innate - 4 types of defensive barriers: anatomic, physiologic, phagocytic, inflammatory