LYMPHATIC

SYSTEM

By Tutor Annrita
INTRODUCTION
• It is a linear network of lymphatic

• The lymphatic system is a component of the circulatory system as it consists of a

moving fluid (lymph) derived from the blood and tissue fluid and a group of
vessels (lymphatics) that return the lymph to the blood

• The lymphatic system consists of several structures and organs that contain
lymphatic tissue, bone marrow and lymph that flows within lymphatic vessel

• It is a 1-way system that returns lymph fluid via vessels to the cardiovascular
system for eventual elimination of toxic byproducts by end organs, such as the
kidney, liver, colon, skin, and lungs.
Fig. 23-1 Role of
lymphatic system in
fluid balance.
Thibodeau Pg 723
INTRODUCTION
• Small lymphatic vessels empty into larger ones that ultimately drain into
the central venous system via the thoracic duct or the right lymphatic
duct

• Before entering the central venous system, lymph passes through lymph
nodes, which filter out cellular material, including cancer cells, and
foreign particles.

• Lymph nodes also are key participants in the immune system because
they are packed with lymphocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells that
are poised to respond to any antigens transported from tissues in the
lymph.
FIGURE 23-2 Principal organs
of the lymphatic system
Thibodeau 8th ed
FUNCTIONS OF LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
1. Restoration of excess interstitial fluid and proteins to the blood:
• Returns it to the venous circulation
• Maintain blood volume levels
• Prevent interstitial fluid levels from rising out of control

2. Absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins

• From the digestive system
• Transport of these elements to the venous circulation into the central lacteals
of the villi

3. Immunity:
• Defense against invading organisms as the lymphatic organs produce and
mature lymphocytes
Components of the Lymphatic System
1. Lymph
2. Lymphatic vessels
a) Lymphatic capillaries
b) Lymphatic collecting vessels
c) Lymphatic trunks
d) Lymphatic ducts
3. Lymphatic organs
a) Thymus
b) Lymph nodes
c) Spleen
d) Tonsils
4. Lymphatic cells
 KEY COMPONENTS OF LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
Organ Function

Contains nutrients, oxygen, hormones, and fatty acids, as

Lymph well as toxins and cellular waste products, that are
transported to and from cellular tissues

Lymphatic vessels
Transport lymph from peripheral tissues to the veins of the
cardiovascular system

Monitors the composition of lymph, the location of

Lymph nodes pathogen engulfment and eradication, the immunologic
response, and the regulation site

Monitors the composition of blood components, the

Spleen location of pathogen engulfment and eradication, the
immunologic response, and the regulation site

Thymus
Serves as the site of T-lymphocyte maturation,
development, and control
Components of the
Lymphatic System
 1. Lymph
• Clear, watery and isotonic fluid derived from blood plasma and a component of
extracellular fluid.

• It is pushed out through the capillary wall by pressure exerted by the heart or by
osmotic pressure at the cellular level.

• It contains nutrients, oxygen, and hormones, as well as toxins and cellular waste products
generated by the cells.

• As the interstitial fluid accumulates, it is picked up and removed by lymphatic vessels that
pass through lymph nodes, which return the fluid to the venous system.

• As the lymph passes through the lymph nodes, lymphocytes and monocytes enter it.
• Larger particles that escape into tissue fluid can only be removed via
lymphatic system

• Lymph contains lower percentage of protein

• In gastrointestinal (GI) tract, lymph has a milky consistency (chyle)

that is attributable to fatty acids, glycerol, and rich fat content.

• Lacteals are lymph vessels that transport intestinal fat and are
localized to the GI tract.
A diagram of fluid movement in the lymphatic
system.
FORMATION AND TRANSPORT OF TISSUE FLUID
Fluids from the systemic and pulmonary
capillaries leave the bloodstream and
enter the interstitial space, thus becoming
part of the interstitial fluid.
The IF also exchanges materials with the
surrounding tissues. Often, because less
fluid is returned to the blood capillary
than had left it, IF pressure increases—
causing IF to flow into the lymphatic
capillary.
The fluid is then called lymph (lymphatic
fluid) and is carried through one or more
lymph nodes and finally to large lymphatic
ducts.
The lymph enters a subclavian vein, where
it is returned to the systemic blood
plasma. Thus fluid circulates through
blood vessels, tissues, and lymphatic
vessels in a sort of "open circulation."
• Lymph is propelled by:

1. Bulging of skeletal muscles

2. Pulsing of nearby arteries

3. Tunica media of the lymph vessels

 Functions of lymph
1. Transports the plasma proteins that seep out of the
capillary beds back to the bloodstream

2. Carries away larger particles e.g. bacteria, cell debris

3. Contains lymphocytes that patrol different regions of the

body
2. Lymphatic vessels
 Lymphatic capillaries
• Function of the lymphatic vessels is to form an elaborate drainage system
that picks up lymph.

• Main ones include lymphatic capillaries and large lymph vessels

• Lymphatic capillaries are blind-ended in the interstitial spaces that are

more permeable than that of blood capillary.

• Are arranged in an overlapping pattern, so that pressure from the

surrounding capillary allows fluid to enter the capillary.

• The lymphatic capillaries come together to form larger mesh-like networks

of tubes that are located deeper in the body i.e. lymphatic vessels.
• Lymphatic capillaries are located between cells of many tissues and have
numerous cup shaped valves that prevent back flow of movements of
lymph in vessels.

• Lymphatic vessels are most densely distributed near lymph nodes. Absent
from avascular structures, brain, spinal cord, splenic pulp and bone marrow

• Lymphatic capillaries merge to form lymphatic vessels, which have thin

walls and many valves

• Lymph vessels are lined by endothelial cells and have a thin layer of smooth
muscles and adventitia that bind the lymph vessels to the surrounding
tissue
• Like veins, lymphatic vessels have 1-way valves to prevent any
backflow.

• The pressure gradients that move lymph through the vessels come
from skeletal muscle action, smooth muscle contraction within the
smooth muscle wall, and respiratory movement

• Therefore, lymph is propelled by pressure generated during muscle

contraction.
• Larger lymphatic vessels composed of 3 layers:

1. Tunica interna: endothelium and valves

2. Tunica media: elastic fibers, smooth muscle

3. Tunica externa: thin outer layer

Fig. 23-4 . Structure of a typical lymphatic
capillary. Thibodeau Pg 725
Figure 6.2 The
origin of a lymph
capillary.
 Lymph nodes
• Are bean-shaped, bundles of lymphoid tissue that filter the lymph fluid of
pathogens and abnormal molecules.

• Small, round or oval located along the pathways of lymph vessels.

• Widely distributed throughout the lymphatic pathway, providing a filtration

mechanism for the lymph before it rejoins the blood stream. Typically found in
clusters

• The average human body contains approximately 600-700 of them,

predominantly concentrated in the neck, axillae, groin, thoracic mediastinum,
and mesenteries of the GI tract.

• Constitute a main line of defense by hosting 2 types of immunoprotective cell

lines, T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes.
 Lymph nodes contd…
• Have 2 distinct regions, the cortex and the medulla.

• The cortex contains follicles, which are collections of lymphocytes.

• At the center of the follicles is an area called germinal centers that

predominantly host B-lymphocytes while the remaining cells of the cortex
are T-lymphocytes.

• Vessels entering the lymph nodes are called afferent lymphatic vessels
and, those exiting are called efferent lymphatic vessels

• It has tightly packed lymphocytes,macrophages and plasma cells

 Functions of lymph node
1. Phagocytic action: filtered by reticular and lymphoid tissues through the
lymph nodes. Organic material are destroyed by macrophages and
antibodies

2. Production of antibodies.

3. Enlargement of lymph nodes, when the area of drainage is infected.

4. Activate T and B lymphocytes.

5. Filtration of lymph.
Distribution of lymph nodes
• Large lymphatic vessels can be broadly characterized into two
categories based on lymph node distribution.

1. Afferent lymphatic vessels flow into a lymph node and carry

unfiltered lymph fluid.
2. Efferent lymphatic vessels flow out of a lymph node and carry
filtered lymph fluid. Lymph vessels that leave the thymus or spleen
(which lack afferent vessels are also included
Anatomy
Location and structure of lymph capillaries
DIAGRAM showing how the
thoracic duct drains a much
larger portion of the body
than does the right lymphatic
duct.
 Lymphatic trunks
• Six principal lymphatic trunks:

1. Jugular (R + L)
2. Subclavian (R + L)
3. Bronchomediastinal (R+L)
4. Intercostal trunks
5. The intestinal trunk
6. Lumbar trunks (R + L)
 LYMPH TRUNKS

 right and left jugular trunks

 right and left subclavian trunks
 right and left bronchomediastinal
trunks
 right and left lumbar trunks
 intestinal trunk
Lymph Ducts
1. Cisterna chyli – located at the union of lumbar and intestinal trunks
2. Thoracic duct – ascends along vertebral bodies.
• Empties into venous circulation
• Junction of left internal jugular and left subclavian veins
• Drains three quarters of the body
3. Right lymphatic duct
• Empties into right internal jugular and subclavian veins
• The lymphatic vessels grow progressively larger and form 2 lymphatic
ducts:

1. The right lymphatic duct:

2. The thoracic duct:

• Cisterna chyli is a dilated lymph channel located infront of bodies of

1st two lumbar vertebrae
Right lymphatic duct

• Formed by union of right jugular, subclavian, and bronchomediastinal

trunks

• Ends by entering the right venous angle

• Drains the upper right quadrant i.e. bright half of the thorax neck,
right upper limb
Thoracic duct
• Begins in front of L1 as a dilated sac, the cisterna chyli

• Formed by left and right lumbar trunks and intestinal trunk

• Enter thoracic cavity & ascends

• Drains the remaining lymphatic tributaries from both legs, the pelvic
abdominal cavities, left half of the thorax, head & neck and the left
upper limbs.
The End lesson 1!!!
Lymphatic organs
 Thymus
• Primary central organ of lymphatic system.

• A ductless gland consisting mainly of primary lymphatic tissue.

• Thymus is pinkish gray in childhood; organ enlarges during childhood, atrophies at

puberty and with advancing age, becomes yellowish as lymphatic tissue is replaced by fat

• The primary function of the thymus is the processing and maturation of T lymphocytes.

• Each T cell is specialized to attack a different antigen, but those that attack self-antigens
are destroyed by the thymus during selection processes in lymphocyte proliferation and
maturation.

• While in the thymus, T lymphocytes do not respond to pathogens and foreign organisms.
 Thymus contd…
• After maturation, they enter the blood and go to other lymphatic organs,
where they help provide defense.

• Structurally, the thymus is similar to the spleen and lymph nodes, with
numerous lobules and cortical and medullary elements.

• It also produces thymosin, a hormone that helps stimulate maturation of T

lymphocytes in other lymphatic organs.

• The thymus is composed of two identical lobes in the upper chest. Its main
components are the cortex, which is the site of lymphocyte maturation,
and the medulla, which connects the thymus to venous circulation.
• Most important roles of the thymus is the maintenance of central
tolerance, which works to prevent autoimmune disorders from
occurring
Organs associated with the thymus

• Anteriorly – sternum and upper four costal cartilages

• Posteriorly – aortic arch and its branches, brachiocephalic veins, trachea

• Laterally – lungs

• Superiorly – structures in the root of the neck

• Inferiorly – heart
Functions
1. Activation of T-lymphocytes

2. Production of antibodies.

3. Production of Thymosin hormone

Figure 6.9
The thymus gland
in the adult, and
related structures.
 Spleen
• It is the largest lymphatic organ enclosed in the peritoneum

• It is a convex lymphoid structure located in left hypochondrium of the

abdominopelvic cavity

• It is surrounded by a connective tissue capsule that extends inward to

divide the organ into lobules consisting of cells, small blood vessels
• It is covered by a capsule.
• The trabeculae subdivides the structure into lobules
• Has 2 types of tissue
1. Red pulp consists of venous sinuses filled with blood and cords of
lymphocytes and macrophages
2. White pulp is lymphatic tissue consisting of lymphocytes around
the arteries.

• Lymphocytes are densely packed within the cortex of the spleen

Organs associated with the spleen

• Superiorly and posteriorly – diaphragm

• Inferiorly – left colic flexure of the large intestine

• Anteriorly – fundus of the stomach

• Medially – pancreas and the left kidney

• Laterally – separated from the 9th, 10th and 11th ribs and the intercostal muscles
by the diaphragm
 Spleen contd…
• The spleen filters blood in much the same way that lymph nodes filter
lymph. It doesn’t have afferent lymphatic vessels hence does not filter
lymph.

• Lymphocytes in the spleen react to pathogens in the blood and attempt to

destroy them. Macrophages then engulf and phagocytose damaged cells
and cellular debris.

• The spleen, along with the liver, eradicates damaged and old erythrocytes
from the blood circulation.

• Like other lymphatic tissue, it produces lymphocytes in an immunologic

response to offending pathogen
Blood supply of spleen
The structures entering and leaving the spleen at the hilum are:

• Splenic artery, a branch of the coeliac artery

• Splenic vein, a branch of the portal vein

• Lymph vessels (efferent only)

• Nerves
Functions of the spleen
1. Defense—macrophages lining the sinusoids of the spleen remove
microorganisms from the blood and phagocytose them

2. Hematopoiesis—monocytes and lymphocytes complete their development in

the spleen

3. Red blood cell and platelet destruction—macrophages remove worn-out RBCs

and imperfect platelets and destroy them by phagocytosis; also salvage iron
and globin from destroyed RBCs

4. Blood reservoir—pulp of spleen and its sinuses store blood

5. Immune response- the spleen contains T- and B-lymphocytes, which are
activated by the presence of antigens, e.g. in infection. Lymphocyte
proliferation during serious infection can cause enlargement of the spleen
(splenomegaly
The
spleen
 BONE MARROW
• The red bone marrow is a key element of the lymphatic system

• One of the primary lymphoid organs that generate lymphocytes from

immature hematopoietic progenitor cells.

• Specific defenses require B lymphocytes (B cells) and T lymphocytes (T

cells), which are both produced in the bone marrow; however, T cells
mature in the thymus, while B cells mature in bone marrow.

• B cells give rise to antibodies that are shaped like antigen receptors and
are capable of combining with and neutralizing antigens.

• T cells do not produce antibodies but instead attack foreign antigens

directly.
Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue
• Collection of lymphoid tissue that are not enclosed and lack afferent
lymphatic vessels
• Contain B and T lymphocytes that detect invaders early
• Found throughout the GIT, respiratory tract, genitourinary tract and
any system of the body exposed to external environment
• Mainly consists of :
1. Tonsils
2. Peyer’s patches
Tonsils
• Tonsils are aggregates/ masses of lymph node tissue located under
the epithelial lining of the oral and pharyngeal areas.

• The main areas:

1. The palatine tonsils on the sides of the oropharynx. Commonly just
called tonsils

2. The pharyngeal tonsils/ adenoids on the roof of the nasopharynx

3. The lingual tonsils on the base of the posterior surface of the

tongue.
• Because these tonsils are so closely related to the oral and pharyngeal
airways, they may interfere with breathing when they become
enlarged.

• The predominance of lymphocytes and macrophages in these

tonsillar tissues offers protection against harmful pathogens and
substances that may enter through the oral cavity or airway hence a
first line of defense
• Due to their special position at the throat and palate, their defense
cells come into contact with pathogens especially soon, and can
activate the immune system immediately.

• Their tissue contains mainly lymphocytes.

• This lymphatic tissue can take on the function of the adenoids, if

these have been removed.
Peyers’s patches
• Are aggregated lymphoid follicles

• Found in the small intestine and intercept swallowed antigens

Lymphatic Cells
• Also called lymphoid cells.
• Located in both the lymphatic system and the cardiovascular system.
• Work together to elicit an immune response.
• Types of lymphatic cells are:
1. Macrophages
2. Epithelial cells
3. Dendritic cells
4. Lymphocytes
 LYMPHATIC ORGANS

Primary organs
 Redbone marrow
 Thymus gland

Secondary organs
 Lymph nodes
 Lymph nodules
 Spleen
 QUESTION. 1

Name the structures labelled A-E.

 QUESTION. 2

 I am a part of lymphatic system and protect the

body by clearing worn out red cells and foreign
bodies from the blood stream. Who am I?

A. Thymus
B. Palatine Tonsil
C. Spleen
D. Lymph node
 QUESTION. 3
Which is the correct statement about the Lymphatic
system?

A. It Reabsorbs excess interstitial fluid and

returns it to the venous circulation.

B. Transports dietary lipids through lacteals.

C. Helps in lymphocyte development, and the immune

response.

D. All of the above

 QUESTION. 4

 Which disease caused by mosquito

bite blocks the lymphatic drainage
causing huge swelling of body
parts (commonly lower limb)
A. Malaria
B. Filaria
C. Dengue
D. Yellow fever
 QUESTION. 5

 Which of these is a primary lymphoid organ ?

A. Lymph Node
B. Spleen
C. Tonsil
D. Bone Marrow
Lymphatic Cells
• Also called lymphoid cells.
• Located in both the lymphatic system and the cardiovascular system.
• Work together to elicit an immune response.
• Types of lymphatic cells are:
1. Macrophages
2. Epithelial cells
3. Dendritic cells
4. Lymphocytes
• Primary Lymphoid Organs
• Bone Marrow and Thymus
• Maturation Site
• Secondary Lymphoid Organs
• Spleen, lymph nodes,
• MALT (mucosal associated lymph tissue)
• GALT (gut associated lymph tissue)
• Trap antigen, APC, Lymphocyte Proliferation
Immune reactions within lymph nodes
• The lymph nodes play host to a series of complex cellular interactions that
typically lead to the production of specific antibodies.
• These are centered around fixed macrophage populations.
• On exposure to a potential pathogen, such as a bacterium, the fixed
macrophages engulf the bacterium by phagocytosis then digest it,
preventing further bacterial replication.
• Pieces of the digested bacterium are ‘presented’ on the surface of the
macrophage to circulating T-lymphocytes, which become activated and
produce a cocktail of cytokines.
• These stimulate the B-lymphocytes to divide and produce specific
antibodies against the offending bacteria
• T and B lymphocytes are the main forces of adaptive immunity, which
includes cell-mediated and humoral immunity.
• T cells are involved in cell-mediated immunity whereas B cells are
primarily responsible for humoral immunity.
• T cells and B cells recognize specific “non-self” antigens during a
process known as antigen presentation with MHC class II (usually
done by dendritic cells).
• Once they have received an antigen, the cells become specifically
tailored to eliminate and inhibit the pathogens or pathogen-infected
cells that express that antigen.
• Following activation, B cells and T cells leave a lasting legacy of the
antigens they have encountered in the form of memory cells.
• B cells mature into B lymphocytes in the bone marrow, while T cells
migrate to and mature in thymus.
• Following maturation, the lymphocytes enter the circulation and
peripheral lymphoid organs
• The lymphocytes involved in adaptive immunity (B and T cells)
differentiate further after exposure to an antigen, which occurs in the
lymph nodes during antigen presentation from the dendritic cells
REFERENCES
• Thibedeau, G. A., & Patton, K. T. (2006). Anatomy & Physiology (6th
ed.). St. Louis: Elsevier Health Sciences.
• [Link]
“WHAT WE LEARN WITH
PLEASURE WE NEVER FORGET.”
Alfred Mercier
Successful and unsuccessful
people do not vary greatly in their
abilities. They vary in their desires
to reach their potential.

John Maxwell