LYMPHATIC SYSTEM:

- Includes lymph, lymphocytes, lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, tonsils, spleen, thymus,
lymphatic vessels.

Functions:
1. Fluid balance
2. Fat absorption
3. Defense

Lymphatic capillaries and vessels:

- the system carries fluid in one direction from tissues to circulatory system
- the lymphatic capillaries are tiny, closed ended vessels that joins to form larger lymphatic
vessels which resembles a small veins and have a beaded appearance due to one way
valves similar to the valves of the veins
- the lymphatic vessels converge and eventually empty into blood at 2 locations in the
body:

A. Right lymphatic duct – drains lymph from the upper right limb, right half of the head,
neck and chest and empties into right subclavian vein.
B. Thoracic duct – largest and drains lymph from the rest of the body and empties into
left subclavian vein.

Lymphatic Organs:
1. tonsils 3. spleen
2. lymph nodes 4. thymus

1. Tonsils – form a protective ring around the openings between the nasal and oral cavities
and the pharynx.
- provide protection against pathogens and harmful materials entering from the
nose and mouth.

3 groups of tonsils:
1. palatine tonsils – usually referred to as the tonsils
2. pharyngeal tonsils – also known as the adenoid
3. lingual tonsils – found at the base of the tongue
2. Lymph Nodes – rounded structure, varying in size, found throughout the body, but there are
3 superficial aggregations of lymph nodes on each side of the body.
1. Inguinal nodes – groin
2. Axillary nodes – armpit
3. Cervical nodes – neck
Lymph nodules – aggregations of tissues that consists of lymphocytes and other
cells.

3. Spleen – has a sized of a closed fist organ, located in the left superior corner of the
abdominal cavity
function – filters blood, instead of lymph; blood reservoir.

4. Thymus – a bilobed gland, triangular in shaped, located in the superior mediastinum the
partition between the right and left thoracic cavity.
- function – site for the production and maturation of lymphocytes

THE END
Dr. Eloisa Beltran Abquina-Mallo