1. The Lymphatic System pp

2. The Basics This is another vascular system
It has its own veins & capillaries
It has no pump so, no arteries
It is a one-way system that starts in the tissues & empties into the cardiovascular system

3. Functions Fluid balance
Absorbs excess tissue fluid & returns this fluid (LYMPH) back into the bloodstream
Fat absorption
LACTEALS in the intestinal villi absorb the products of fat digestion
Fight infection
Cleanse lymph
Develop & carry/house some lymphocytes (type of WBC)

4. Lymph Capillaries
Take up cell fluids
Drain into lymph veins

5. Lymph Veins Have valves to prevent backflow Join into 2 main trunks
Right lymphatic duct
drains the upper right portion of the body
empties into the right subclavian vein
2. Thoracic duct
drains rest of the body
empties into left subclavian vein

7. Other Parts of the Lymphatic System
Lymph nodes
Small oval/round structures that occur in strategic places along lymph vessels
3 main functions:
Testing stations that monitor the blood
Produce & store lymphocytes
remember: lymphocytes produce antibodies to fight infection
Filter lymph of debris, damaged cells, bacteria & spreading cancer cells

8. B. Lacteals
Fat digestion
C. Spleen
Found behind the stomach
Contains WBC & stores blood
D. Thymus Gland
Found in upper thoracic cavity
Produce & mature some lymphocytes
Decreases in size with age