LYMPHATIC

SYSTEM
Intended learning Outcome
• 1. Demonstrate an understanding of the structure and function of the
lymphatic system, including its role in immune response, fluid balance, and
absorption of dietary fats.
• 2. Explain the process of immune response, including the roles of
lymphocytes, antigen-presenting cells, and cytokines in recognizing and
combating pathogens.
• 3. Distinguish between various cells present in the lymphatic system,
including lymphocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, and their respective
roles in immune surveillance and defense.
• 4. Demonstrate familiarity with key lymphatic tissues and organs, such as
diffuse lymphatic tissue, lymphatic nodules (including Peyer's patches),
lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, and thymus, including their anatomical
locations, structural features, and functions in immune system regulation
and hematopoiesis.
 OUTLINE

I. Overview of Lymphatic System

II. Immune Response
III. Cells in Lymphatic System
IV. Lymphatic Tissues and Organ
I. Diffuse lymphatic tissue
II. Lymphatic nodules
III. Lymph nodes
IV. Spleen
V. Bone marrow
VI. Thymus
 Lymphatic sYstem

• groups of cells, tissues, and organs that monitor body

surfaces and internal fluid compartments
• react to the presence of potentially harmful substance

Diffuse lymphatic tissue

Lymphatic nodules
Lymph nodes
Spleen
Bone marrow
Thymus
ImMUNE RESPONSE

NON-SPECIFIC/ INNATE SPECIFIC/ ADAPTIVE

• Preexisting, nonspecific first-line • Provides specific defenses that target
specific invaders
defenses (Inflammatory response)
• Involves immune system
• Physical barriers (skin & mucous
membranes) • Primary/ Secondary
• Chemical defense (low pH) TYPES
• Secretory substances (thiocyanate, • Humoral Immunity – production of Ab by B-
cells
lysozymes, interferons) • Cellular Mediated – mediated by T-cells
• Phagocytic cells (macrophages, NK cells)
Cells of the lymphatic system
• Lymphocytes • Supporting cells
1. B cells • Neutrophils, monocytes,
2. T cells eosinophil, basophils
3. NK cells • Macrophages
• Reticular cells, Dendritic cells,
Follicular dendritic cells,
Langerhans’ cells,
Epithelioreticular cells

CD Markers
unique cell surface molecules that
identifes cells in lymphatic tissue
major histocompatibility gene
complex
• peptides on the surface of cells that present foreign bodies to
lymphocytes
CLASS
1. MHC 1
• expressed on the surface of all nucleated cells and platelets
• act as a target to allow the elimination of abnormal host cells (virus,
cancer cell)
• present peptides fragments to cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocytes
2. MHC II
• Limited to APCs
• present partially digested, endocytosed foreign peptides to helper CD4+
T lymphocytes
 Lymphocytes
T CELLS B CELLS NK CELLS
Differentiation Thymus Bursa-equivalent
Organs
(BM & GALT)
Immunity Cell-mediated Humoral
SUBTYPES • Produce Ab/ Ig • specialized to kill
1. Helper CD4+ ü Table 14.2 Characteristics of certain types of
Human Immunoglobulins
• TH1 (Functions) target cells
• TH2 Activated Types • release perforins and
2. Cytotoxic CD8+ 1. Plasma cells granzymes
3. Regulatory/Supressor 2. Memory B cells
4. Gamma/delta
LYMPHATIC
TISSUES AND
ORGANS
 Lymphatic Vessels

• Forms a link between blood

vessels in the circulation

• Lymph – fluid in the lymph

vessels
 Diffuse Lymphatic Tissue and
Lymphatic Nodules
MALT (Mucosa-associated lymphatic tissue)
• accumulation of lymphatic tissue that are not
enclosed by a capsule
• alimentary canal, respiratory passages, and
genitourinary tract

LYMPHATIC NODULES 1. Primary nodule – small

lymphocytes
• localized concentrations of lymphocytes 2. Secondary nodule
• Defined but not encapsulated 1. Germinal Center
2. mantle zone or corona
• Location: tonsils, ileum (Payer’s Patches),
vermiform appendix
 Lymph nodes

• small encapsulated organs located along the pathway of lymphatic vessels

Supporting element:
1. Cortex
1. Capsule
1. Nodular
2. Trabeculae
2. Paracortex
3. Reticular Tiisue
2. Medulla
1. Reticular cells
2. Dendritic cells
3. Macrophages
4. Follicular Dendritic cells
 Thymus

• bilobed organ located in the superior mediastinum, anterior to the heart and great
vessels

Structures:
• Capsule
• Trabeculae
• Thymic lobules
• Cortex
• Thymocyres
• Epithelioreticular cells (I, II, II)
• Medulla
• Hassal’s corpuscles
• Epithelioreticular cells (I,IV, V, VI)
 spleen

• Located in the upper left quadrant of the

abdominal cavity
• Largest lymphatic organ

Structures:
• Capsule and Trabeculae - contains
myofibroblasts
• Splenic Pulp
• White Pulp
• Lymph node w/ central artery
• Periarterial lymphatic sheath (PALS)
• Red Pulp
• RBCs
• Splenic venous sinuses separated by
cords of Billroth
LYMPH NODE
LyMPH NODe
Capsule

Cotex

Medulla
SPLEEN
THANK YOU