LYMPHATIC SYSTEM

LYMPHATIC SYSTEM

• INTRODUCTION
• FUNCTION OF LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
• LYMPHATIC CIRCULATION
• PARTS OF LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
• LYMPH FORMATION

• CONDITIONS AND DISORDERS

 LYMPHATIC SYSTEM

• The lymphatic system's anatomy closely resembles that of the peripheral vascular system. It works by
uni- directional moving lymphatic fluid to the circulatory system, where it is removed. Nearly all
human organs include lymphatics, which produce a variety of wastes that must be eliminated.
• Your immune system's lymphatic system serves a variety of purposes. They include defending your
body from pathogens, preserving body fluid balance, absorbing lipids from the digestive tract, and
eliminating cellular waste. Your lymphatic system's operation may be impacted by obstructions,
illnesses, or infections.
• In vertebrates, the lymphatic system, also known as the lymphoid system, is an organ system that works in
conjunction with the circulatory system and is a component of the immune system. A vast network of
lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, lymphatic or lymphoid organs, and lymphoid tissues make up this
structure. The vessels return a clear fluid called lymph, for recirculation, to the heart.
• Some 20 liters of plasma flow through your body’s arteries and smaller arteriole blood vessels and
capillaries every day. After delivering nutrients to the body’s cells and tissues and receiving their waste
products, about 17 liters are returned to the circulation by way of veins. The remaining three liters seep
through the capillaries and into your body’s tissues. The lymphatic system collects this excess fluid, now
called lymph, from tissues in your body and moves it along until it's ultimately returned to your
bloodstream.
 FUNCTION OF LYMPHATIC SYSTEM

The lymphatic system has many functions. Its functions include:

• Maintains fluid levels in your body - as just described, the lymphatic system collects excess fluid that drains
from cells and tissue throughout your body and returns it to your bloodstream, which is then recirculated
through your body.
• Absorbs fats from the digestive tract - lymph includes fluids from your intestines that contain fats and
proteins and transports it back to your bloodstream.
• Protects your body against foreign invaders - the lymphatic system is part of the immune system. It
produces and releases lymphocytes (white blood cells) and other immune cells that monitor and then
destroy the foreign invaders — such as bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi — that may enter your body.
• Transports and removes waste products and abnormal cells from the lymph.
 LYMPHATIC CIRCULATION

As blood circulates through the body, blood plasma spills into tissues through the thin walls of the
capillaries, necessitating the existence of the lymphatic system as a drainage system. It carries oxygen,
glucose, amino acids, and other nutrients that are required by tissue cells. The amount of blood plasma that
escapes is known as interstitial or extracellular fluid. Even while the majority of this fluid absorbs back into
the bloodstream right after, some of it and the particle debris are left behind. The fluid imbalance that would
cause the organism to die is avoided by the lymphatic system's removal of this fluid and these substances
from tissues and return of these substances to the bloodstream via lymphatic vessels.
 Almost every tissue in the body is filled with microscopic lymphatic capillaries, where the fluid and
proteins within the tissues start their journey back to the bloodstream. Only a small number of areas—such
as the skin's epidermis, mucous membranes, bone marrow, and central nervous system—are free of
lymphatic capillaries, while others as the lungs, gut, genitourinary system, and dermis of the skin—are heavily
populated with these blood vessels. The extracellular fluid, which is now known as lymph, drains into larger
tubes known as the lymphatics once it has entered the lymphatic system. One of the two large lymphatic
trunks, which are connected to veins at the base of the neck, is formed when these vessels come together.
The upper right part of the body is drained by one of these trunks, the right lymphatic duct, which returns
lymph to the bloodstream through the right subclavian vein. The remaining bodily fluids are drained into the
left subclavian vein by the other trunk, the thoracic duct. Muscle contractions move lymph along the network
of veins, and valves stop lymph from flowing in the other direction. Small masses of lymph tissue called lymph
nodes puncture the lymphatic channels at regular intervals to filter out extraneous objects like pathogenic
bacteria from the fluid that filters through them.
 THE PARTS OF LYMPHATIC
SYSTEM

The body's lymphatic system is a network of tiny tubes or

vessels that transports lymph fluid out of every part of the body. The
bone marrow, spleen, thymus gland, lymph nodes, and tonsils all
contain significant amounts of lymph tissue. Lymphatic tissue can also
be found in the skin, liver, lungs, heart, and intestines.
The lymphatic system consists of many parts. These include:

1. Lymph- Lymph, also called lymphatic fluid, is a collection of the extra fluid that drains from cells and tissues (that is
not reabsorbed into the capillaries) plus other substances. The other substances include proteins, minerals, fats,
nutrients, damaged cells, cancer cells and foreign invaders (bacteria, viruses, etc.). Lymph also transports infection-
fighting white blood cells (lymphocytes).

2. Lymph Nodes- Lymph nodes are bean-shaped glands that monitor and cleanse the lymph as it filters through them.
The nodes filter out the damaged cells and cancer cells. These lymph nodes also produce and store lymphocytes and
other immune system cells that attack and destroy bacteria and other harmful substances in the fluid. You have about
600 lymph nodes scattered throughout your body. Some exist as a single node; others are closely connected groups
called chains. A few of the more familiar locations of lymph nodes are in your armpit, groin and neck. Lymph nodes
are connected to others by the lymphatic vessels
3. Lymphatic Vessels- Lymphatic vessels are the network of capillaries (micro vessels) and a large network of tubes
located throughout your body that transport lymph away from tissues. Lymphatic vessels collect and filter lymph (at the
nodes) as it continues to move toward larger vessels called collecting ducts. These vessels operate very much like your
veins do: they work under very low pressure, have a series of valves in them to keep the fluid moving in one direction.

4. Collecting Ducts- Lymphatic vessels empty the lymph into the right lymphatic duct and left lymphatic duct (also called
the thoracic duct). These ducts connect to the subclavian vein, which returns lymph to your bloodstream. The
subclavian vein runs below your collarbone. Returning lymph to the bloodstream helps to maintain normal blood
volume and pressure. It also prevents the excess buildup of fluid around the tissues (called edema).
5. Spleen- This largest lymphatic organ is located on your left side under your ribs and above your stomach. The spleen
filters and stores blood and produces white blood cells that fight infection or disease.

6. Thymus- This organ is located in the upper chest beneath the breast bone. It matures a specific type of white blood
cell that fights off foreign organisms. Thymus is a small gland in the lymphatic system that makes and trains special
white blood cells called T-cells. The T-cells help your immune system fight disease and infection. Your thymus gland
produces most of your T-cells before birth.
7. Tonsils and Adenoid- These lymphoid organs trap pathogens from the food you eat and the air you breathe. They are
your body’s first line of defense against foreign invaders.

8. Bone Marrow- This is the soft, spongy tissue in the center of certain bones, such as the hip bone and breastbone.
White blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets are made in the bone marrow.
9. Peyer’s Patches- these are small masses of lymphatic tissue in the mucous membrane that lines your small intestine.
These lymphoid cells monitor and destroy bacteria in the intestines.

10. Appendix- Your appendix contains lymphoid tissue that can destroy bacteria before it breaches the intestine wall
during absorption. Scientists also believe the appendix plays a role in housing “good bacteria” and repopulating our
gut with good bacteria after an infection has cleared.
 LYMPH FORMATION

Extravasation of proteins into the interstitial fluid from the microcirculation

Many of the proteins found in blood are also found in the interstitial fluid, which is the precursor of
prenodal lymph and is generated as an ultrafiltrate of capillary microcirculation. The starling principle states that
the net balance of hydrostatic and osmotic pressures across the microvascular endothelium controls the
microvascular ultrafiltration process (2, 3). According to the principle, the fluid filtration from the arterial end
into the interstitial space and reabsorption into the venous system are caused by the pressure gradient between
the arterial and venous halves of the capillary beds. Though accepted for almost a century, this idea has recently
undergone revision. In fact, more accurate measurements of fluid exchange in capillary beds show that, in the
majority of tissues, steady-state pressures (hydrostatic and osmotic) only provide a minimal amount of fluid
filtration from the microcirculation, at both arterial and venous ends, toward the interstitial fluid.
 The lymphatic system keeps tissues' fluid balance, removes fats from the small intestine,
and fights against microbes.
Lymph is formed when the interstitial fluid is collected through tiny lymph capillaries,
which are located throughout the body. It is then transported through lymph vessels to lymph
nodes, which clean and filter it.
 HOW LYMPH IS TRANSPORTED

The flow of lymph fluid from the body's interstitial space through lymph nodes and into lymph ducts, which
return the fluid to venous circulation, is referred to as lymph transport.

Transport in the Lymph Capillaries and Vessels

Lymphatic capillaries are the site of lymph fluid collection from the tissues. The fluid accumulates in the
interstitial space inside tissues after leaking out through the cardiovascular capillaries. The fluid enters the lymphatic
capillaries by leaking through the minivalves located in the junctions of the endothelium. Under ordinary conditions these
minivalves prevent the lymph from flowing back into the tissues. In addition to interstitial fluid, pathogens, proteins, and
tumor cells may also leak into the lymph capillaries and be transported through lymph.

The lymph capillaries feed into larger lymph vessels. The lymph vessels that receive lymph fluid from many
capillaries are called collecting vessels. Semilunar valves work together with smooth muscle contractions and skeletal
muscle pressure to slowly push the lymph fluid forward while the valves prevent backflow. The collecting vessels typically
transport lymph fluid either into lymph nodes or lymph trunks.
Transport within Lymph Nodes

Lymph circulates to the lymph node via afferent lymphatic vessels. The lymph fluid drains into the node just
beneath the capsule of the node into its various sinus spaces. These spaces are loosely separated by walls, so lymph fluid
flows around them throughout the lymph node.

The sinus space is filled with macrophages that engulf foreign particles and pathogens and filter the lymph. The
sinuses converge at the hilum of the node, where lymph then leaves the node via an efferent lymphatic vessel toward
either a more central lymph node or a lymph duct for drainage into one of the subclavian veins.

The lymph nodes contain a large number of b and t lymphocytes, which are transported throughout the node
during many components of the adaptive immune response. When a lymphocyte is presented with an antigen (such as by
an activated helper T cell), B cells become activated and migrate to the germinal centers of the node, where they proliferate
and differentiate to be specific to that antigen. When antibody-producing B cells are formed, they migrate to the medullary
(central) cords of the node. Stimulation of the lymphocytes by antigens can accelerate the migration process to about ten
times normal, resulting in the characteristic swelling of the lymph nodes that is a common symptom of many infections. The
lymphocytes are transported through lymph fluid and leave the node through the efferent vessels to travel to other parts of
the body to perform adaptive immune response functions.
 CONDITIONS AND DISORDERS

The lymphatic system's veins, glands, and organs are susceptible to a wide range of diseases. Some
take place during childhood or before birth during development. Others arise as a result of disease or injury.
The following are both common and uncommon lymphatic system diseases and disorders:

I. Lymphadenopathy and Lymphadenitis

Swollen or enlarged lymph nodes are referred to in medicine as lymphadenopathy. It could be
caused on by cancer, an infection, or inflammation. Lymphadenitis is the medical term for a swollen lymph
node that has an inflammatory or infectious cause. For example, strep throat might result in the neck's area
lymph nodes enlarging. In the axillae(armpits), breast cancer may cause swollen lymph nodes.
II. Lymphedema
A accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the tissues is referred to by this medical word. Arms and legs are
where it usually manifests itself. Scar tissue, tumors, injured lymph nodes, or damaged lymph arteries can all
obstruct the lymphatic system, resulting in lymphedema. When lymph nodes are surgically removed or exposed
to radiation during cancer therapy, lymphedema can also result. A person with severe lymphedema may have
discomfort, disability, and disfigurement in addition to an increased risk of life-threatening infections.
III. Lymphatic System Cancers
When lymphocytes (white blood cells) multiply uncontrolled, it can result in a cancer called lymphoma.
Two common types of lymphoma are hodgkin lymphoma and non-hodgkin lymphoma.
• Hodgkin's lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is part of the body's germ-
fighting immune system. In hodgkin's lymphoma, white blood cells called lymphocytes grow out of control,
causing swollen lymph nodes and growths throughout the body.
• Non-hodgkin's lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in your lymphatic system, which is part of the body's
germ-fighting immune system. In non-hodgkin's lymphoma, white blood cells called lymphocytes grow
abnormally and can form growths (tumors) throughout the body.
Other disorders include:
• Lymphangitis- this is an inflammation of the lymph vessels.
• Lymphangioma- this is a condition that you're born with. It’s a malformation in the lymphatic system.
Lymphangiomatosis is the presence of multiple or widespread lymphatic vascular malformations.
• Intestinal Lymphangiectasia- this is a condition in which loss of lymph tissue in the small intestine leads to
loss of protein, gamma globulins, albumin and lymphocytes.
• Lymphocytosis- this is a condition in which there is a higher-than-normal amount of lymphocytes in the body.
• Lymphatic Filariasis- this is an infection caused by a parasite that causes the lymphatic system not to function
correctly.
• Castleman Disease- castleman disease involves an overgrowth of cells in the body’s lymphatic system.
• Lymphangioleiomyomatosis- this is a rare lung disease in which abnormal muscle-like cells begin to grow out
of control in the lungs, lymph nodes and kidneys.
• Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative Syndrome- this is a rare genetic disorder in which there is a high number
of lymphocytes in the lymph nodes, liver and spleen.
• Mesenteric Lymphadenitis- this is an inflammation of the lymph nodes in the abdomen.
• Tonsillitis- this is an inflammation and infection of the tonsils.
 HOW A HEALTHY LYMPH SYSTEM TYPICALLY
WORKS
Carrying Away Waste
Small vessels called lymph capillaries are where lymph fluid is drained. When someone breathes or
their muscles flex, the fluid is then propelled along. The lymph capillaries are incredibly thin and have
numerous microscopic pores that let gases, water, and nutrients reach the neighboring cells, feeding them
and removing waste. Interstitial fluid is the term used to describe lymph fluid that seeps through in this way.
The interstitial fluid is collected by lymph vessels, which subsequently discharge it into significant veins in the
upper chest, close to the neck, to be reabsorbed into the bloodstream.
Fighting Infection
When lymph fluid reaches the lymph nodes, macrophages there fight off bacteria and other foreign
substances to remove them from the bloodstream. The lymph fluid exits the lymph nodes and goes back to
the veins, where it is once again cleansed of these impurities and enters the bloodstream.
 HOW DOES THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM FIGHT
INFECTION?

Lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, are created by the lymphatic system. T cells and B cells are the two
different subtypes of lymphocytes. Through the lymphatic system, they both travel.
They come into contact with germs, viruses, and foreign particles in the lymph fluid as they approach the
lymph nodes.
After a contact, lymphocytes produce antibodies and begin the body's defense. If they have already come
into contact with the specific pathogen in the past, they can also create antibodies from memory.
The body's adaptive immune response includes the lymphatic system and lymphocyte activity. These
reactions to particular infections are incredibly targeted and lasting.
 EFFECTS OF AGING ON THE LYMPHATIC
SYSTEM

Aging has a variety of consequences on the immune system, including reduced production of B and
T cells in the bone marrow and thymus and decreased functionality of mature lymphocytes in secondary
lymphoid organs. As a result, older people do not react to immunological challenge as strongly as younger
people. Aging causes peri-lymphatic mast cells to become basally activated, which limits immune cell
recruitment and influences how the body responds to acute inflammation. Ageing is a significant risk factor
for the lymphatic system's diminished pump performance, increased permeability, and delayed
immunological response.
 THANK YOU
CORTEZ, PZYLEEN D.
DOCTOR OF DENTAL MEDICINE- 1A