Subtopic 1.

The Lymphatic System

LYMPHATIC
closed system consisting of a network of lymphatic vessels, ducts and nodes.
part of the circulatory system and immune system

The Structure Of The Lymphatic System

The Structure Of The Lymphatic System

Formation Of Interstitial Fluid

The higher hydrostatic pressure at the arterial end of the capillaries forces some fluid out through the capillary walls into the interstitial spaces which are found between the cells.

This fluid is known as interstitial or tissue fluid.

The interstitial fluid has the same composition as the blood plasma but does not contain erythrocytes, platelets and large protein molecules.

Importance Of The Interstitial Fluid

It forms the internal environment of the body.
It bathes the cells and supplies them with their requirements such as oxygen and nutrients It receives excretory waste products such as carbon dioxide and urea from the cells.

It helps to keep the internal environment of the body within a normal range.

What Happens To The Interstitial Fluid?

90% of the interstitial fluid flows back into the veins. 10% of the interstitial fluid enters the lymphatic capillaries and become lymph. Lymph is similar to blood plasma and has no erythrocytes, platelets and protein molecules but it contains a higher number of lymphocytes. Lymph is carried by the lymphatic vessels and finally by the thoracic duct. The thoracic duct finally drains the lymph into the left subclavian vein and right subclavian vein and back into the blood stream.

Comparison Between Blood Plasma, Interstitial Fluid And Lymph

ROLE OF THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM

Collects the interstitial fluid and returns it to the circulatory system. Transports fat from the villi of the ileum to the blood circulatory system. Lymph nodes filter out bacteria and other foreign particles. Phagocytes engulf and destroy foreign particles. Lymphocytes in the lymph nodes produce antibodies.