LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins,
waste and other unwanted materials. The primary function of the lymphatic system is to
transport lymph, a fluid containing infection fighting white blood cells,throughout the
body. The lymphatic system primarily consists of lymphatic vessels, which are similar to
the circulatory system's veins and capillaries. The vessels are connected to lymph
nodes, where the lymph is filtered. The tonsils, adenoids, spleen and thymus are all part
of the lymphatic system.
FUNCTIONS OF LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
In the Tissues
It collects extra fluid that leaks out of blood vessels.
Without this, your body would swell.
It keeps the right balance of fluids in your arms, legs, and organs.
In the Immune System
It transports white blood cells to areas where infection is present.
Lymph nodes filter germs and harmful substances.
This helps your body fight bacteria and viruses wherever they enter.
In the Digestive System
In the small intestine, special lymph vessels called lacteals absorb fats and
fat-soluble vitamins.
These nutrients are then delivered to the bloodstream.
In the Blood
Organs like the spleen help filter the blood and remove old or damaged blood
cells.
It also helps detect infections in the bloodstream.
Main Parts of the Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is made up of several parts:
● Lymph – This is a clear fluid that moves through the lymphatic vessels. It carries
white blood cells that fight infection.
● Lymphatic Vessels – These are thin tubes that carry lymph throughout the body.
They are similar to blood vessels.
● Lymph Nodes – These are small, bean-shaped structures found in areas like the
neck, armpits, and groin. They filter harmful substances and germs from the
lymph.
● Tonsils – These help protect the body from germs that enter through the mouth
and nose.
● Spleen – This organ filters blood and helps fight infection.
● Thymus – This gland helps develop special white blood cells called T-cells.
Common Problems of the Lymphatic System
Sometimes, the lymphatic system can have problems such as:
● Swollen lymph nodes
● Lymphedema
● Lymphoma
Importance of the Lymphatic System
-Protects the body from harmful germs
-Supports the immune system
-Helps maintain overall health
🌿 The Lymphatic System is Cooperative
The lymphatic system works together with the immune system.
● It helps remove waste, dead cells, germs, toxins, and even cancer cells.
● It absorbs fats and fat-soluble vitamins from the digestive system and sends
them to the body so cells can use them.
● It removes extra fluid and waste that collect between the body’s cells.
🔄 The Transformation (How Fluid Changes)
1. Arterial blood carries oxygen and nutrients to the body’s cells.
2. To reach the cells, some fluid leaves the blood vessels and enters the
tissues.
3. This fluid is now called interstitial fluid.
4. It gives nutrients to the cells and collects waste.
5. About 90% of this fluid goes back to the bloodstream as venous blood.
💧 What is Lymph?
The remaining 10% of the fluid does not return to the blood.
● This leftover fluid becomes lymph.
● Lymph is a clear to yellowish fluid.
● It moves through lymph vessels.
● It carries waste, germs, and unwanted materials to be filtered and
removed.
ORIGIN OF LYMPH
Lymph comes from blood plasma (the liquid part of blood).
How lymph is formed:
Blood flows from the heart into tiny blood vessels called capillaries.
Blood flow slows down.
Some plasma leaks out of the capillaries into body tissues.
This leaked fluid becomes tissue fluid (extracellular fluid).
Function of tissue fluid:
Brings oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to cells.
Collects waste products from cells
🔵 2. Lymphatic Capillaries
Lymph enters the lymphatic system through lymphatic capillaries.
About: 70% are near the skin (superficial). 30% are deep around organs.
Structure: Tiny tubes with one-cell-thick walls.
Begin as blind-ended tubes (closed at one end).
Cells overlap like roof shingles, allowing fluid to enter easily..
🟡 3. Lymphatic Vessels
Capillaries join to form larger lymphatic vessels. Located near major veins.
Special features:
Have one-way valves (like veins).
Prevent backward flow of lymph.
Smooth muscles contract
🟠 4. Lymph Nodes
Small filtering organs (about 600–700 in the human body).
Functions:
Kill pathogens (germs).
Destroy cancer cells.
Remove debris and excess fluid.
How lymph moves:
Afferent vessels → bring unfiltered lymph into node.
Lymph is filtered and cleaned.
Lymphocytes attack harmful organisms.
Efferent vessels → carry filtered lymph out.
🟣 5. Drainage Areas
The lymphatic system has two drainage regions:
Right drainage area:
Right arm
Right side of chest
Left drainage area:
Both legs
Lower body
Left chest
Left arm
Most of the body
🔴 6. Lymphatic Circulation
The lymphatic system works like a body drainage system.
Why it is important:
Blood plasma leaks into tissues during circulation.
If fluid is not removed, swelling and fluid imbalance occur.
Lymphatic vessels collect excess fluid and return it to the bloodstream.
🟢 1. Primary Lymphoid Organs
These are the organs where lymphocytes (immune cells) are formed and mature.
a. Thymus
Located behind the breastbone (sternum) in the chest.
Responsible for the development of T cells.
T cells learn to:
Recognize the body’s own cells (self)
Identify harmful foreign substances (nonself).
Important Processes:
Positive selection – keeps T cells that can recognize body molecules.
Negative selection – destroys T cells that may attack the body.
b. Bone Marrow
Found inside bones.
Produces all lymphocytes from stem cells.
B cells mature here in humans.
Unlike the thymus, bone marrow continues working throughout life.
2. Secondary Lymphoid Organs
These organs are where lymphocytes become activated after meeting foreign
substances called antigens (like bacteria and viruses).
Examples:
Lymph nodes
Spleen
Tonsils
Appendix
Peyer’s patches
Other mucosal tissues
Their main functions:
Further develop lymphocytes
Trap antigens so immune cells can attack them
🟡 Lymph Nodes
Small bean-shaped structures found throughout the body.
Common in the neck, armpits, groin, and knees.
Filter lymph fluid.
Inside lymph nodes:
T cells are in the inner area.
B cells are in outer germinal centers.
Process:
Lymph carrying antigens enters.
Lymphocytes become activated.
Activated cells leave and travel through the bloodstream to fight infection
🟠 Spleen
Located in the abdomen behind the stomach.
Filters blood instead of lymph.
Two main parts:
Red pulp – removes old blood cells, bacteria, and waste using macrophages.
White pulp – contains B and T lympho kocytes that respond to antigens.
🟣 Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissues (MALT)
Found in mucous membranes of:
Digestive system
Respiratory tract
Genitourinary tract
Example:
Peyer’s patches in the small intestine.
Function:
Capture germs entering through body openings.
Present antigens to immune cells.
🔴 Diseases of the Lymphatic System
Secondary organs have backup systems, so removing spleen or tonsils usually
doesn’t cause severe immune problems.
But primary organs are very important.
Examples:
DiGeorge syndrome and Nezelof’s disease — thymus fails to develop → weak
immune system.
🌸CONCLUSION / SUMMARY
The lymphatic system plays a vital role in keeping the body healthy. It
protects us from disease, helps maintain fluid balance, and supports the
immune system. Even though we may not always think about it, the
lymphatic system works every day to keep us safe and strong.