LYMPHATIC SYSTEM NOTES

Your lymphatic system, part of your immune system, has many functions. They include
protecting your body from illness-causing invaders, maintaining body fluid levels, absorbing
digestive tract fats and removing cellular waste. Blockages, diseases or infections can affect
your lymphatic system’s function

The lymphatic system is a network of tissues, vessels and organs that work together to move
lymph back into your your bloodstream. The lymphatic system is part of your immune
system.
What is the lymphatic system?

The lymphatic system is a network of tissues, vessels and organs that work together to move
a colorless, watery fluid called lymph back into your circulatory system (your bloodstream).

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 ultimately returns it to your bloodstream.

Your lymphatic system actually has many functions. Its key functions include:

 Maintains fluid levels in your body: As just described, the lymphatic system
collects excess fluid that drains from cells and tissue throughout the body and returns
it to the bloodstream, which is then recirculated through the body.
 Absorbs fats from the digestive tract: Lymph includes fluids from the intestines that
contain fats and proteins and transports it back to the 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 enter the body.
 Transports and removes waste products and abnormal cells from the lymph.

What are the parts of the lymphatic system?

The lymphatic system consists of many parts. These include:

 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).
 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.·

Lymphatic vessels: Lymphatic vessels are the network of capillaries (microvessels) and
large network of tubes located throughout the 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. The lymphatic vessels transport lymph fluid around the body. There are two
main systems of lymph vessels – superficial and deep:

 Superficial vessels – arise in the subcutaneous tissue, and tends to accompany venous
flow. They eventually drain into deep vessels.

 Deep vessels – drain the deeper structures of the body, such as the internal organs.
They tend to accompany deep arteries.
  The drainage of lymph begins in lymph channels, which start as blind ended
capillaries and gradually develop into vessels. These vessels travel proximally,
draining through several lymph nodes
 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).

The lymphatic system collects excess fluid that drains from cells and tissue throughout the
body and returns it to the bloodstream, which is then recirculated through the body.

Organs of the lymphatic system

 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.
 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.
  Tonsils and adenoid: These lymphoid organs trap pathogens from the food you eat
and air you breathe. They are your body’s first line of defense against foreign
invaders.
 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.
 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.
 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.

What conditions affect the lymphatic system?

Many conditions can affect the vessels, glands, and organs that make up the lymphatic
system.

Some happen during development before birth or during childhood. Others develop as a
result of disease or injury. Some common and less common diseases and disorders of the
lymphatic system include:

 Enlarged (swollen) lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy): Enlarged lymph nodes are

caused by infection, inflammation or cancer. Common infections that can cause
enlarged lymph nodes include strep throat, mononucleosis, HIV infection and infected
skin wounds. Lymphadenitis refers to lymphadenopathy that is caused from an
infection or inflammatory condition.
 Swelling or accumulation of fluid (lymphedema): Lymphedema can result from a
blockage in the lymphatic system caused by scar tissue from damaged lymph vessels
or nodes. Lymphedema is also often seen when lymph nodes are removed in persons
who have had surgery and/or radiation to remove a cancer. The buildup of lymphatic
fluid is most commonly seen in the arms and legs. Lymphedema can be very mild or
be quite painful, disfiguring and disabling. People with lymphedema are at risk for
serious and potentially life-threatening deep skin infections.
  Cancers of the lymphatic system: Lymphoma is cancer of the lymph nodes and
occurs when lymphocytes grow and multiply uncontrollably. There are several
different types of lymphoma, including Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s
lymphoma. Cancerous tumors can also block lymphatic ducts or be near lymph nodes
and interfere with the flow of lymph through the node.

Other disorders include:

 Lymphangitis: This is an inflammation of the lymph vessels.

 Lymphangioma: This is a condition that you are 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, gammaglobulins, 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.

Lymphocytes

At some point in our lives, we all deal with sickness in one form or another. The manner in
which we're able to deal with sickness normally depends on the strength of our immune
system. One of the main tools in the arsenal of our immune system is a group of specialized
cells known as lymphocytes.
Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that function as part of the immune system.
Their various functions allow them to properly respond to foreign invaders in the body. Some
lymphocytes work alone, while others are able to coordinate with other cells.

Types of Lymphocytes

There are three types of lymphocytes, known as T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells. T
cells get their name because they are developed in the thymus gland. These cells are
distinguished from other lymphocytes by the specialized T-cell receptor molecule that is
located on the surface of the cell. This molecule is important in immunity because it
recognizes antigens and is able to bind to them.

B cells are an important part of the immune system. B cells get their name because they
mature in the bone marrow of humans, and in the bursa organ of birds. These cells are
distinguished from other lymphocytes by a protein on their surface known as the B-cell
receptor. This protein is specialized to recognize and attach to specific antigens.

Natural killer cells are lymphocytes that are known to be cytotoxic. This means that they
have the ability to kill other cells. These cells are an important part of the immune system
because they are able to recognize virally infected cells, as well as some types of tumor cells,
and kill them before they cause a great amount of harm.

Functions of Lymphocytes

Natural killer cells

Natural killer (NK) cells are a part of the immune system a person is born with. They protect
the organism from tumours and from cells infected by viruses. Natural killer cells are made
active by chemicals released by damaged cells called interferons.

Natural killer cells can tell the difference between infected cells, tumours, and normal cells.
They recognise changes in the level of a surface molecule called MHC (major
histocompatibility complex) class I.

The NK cells then release cytotoxic (cell-killing) granules which then destroy the altered
cells.[2]

T and B cells
T cells (thymus cells) and B cells (bone cells) are the main cells of the adaptive immune
response. They tackle infections, and they cause the immune system to 'remember' the event.

The function of T cells and B cells is to recognize foreign antigens. Antigens are surface
molecules on a cell. Once they have identified an invader, the cells respond to
remove pathogens or pathogen-infected cells.

B cells respond to pathogens by producing large numbers of antibodies which then destroy
foreign objects like bacteria and viruses.

Some T cells, called T helper cells, produce cytokines that direct the immune response.
Cytokines signal to other immune cells that there is a foreign antigen present. Other T cells,
called cytotoxic T cells, produce toxic granules which cause the death of infected cells.

Once they are made active, B cells and T cells produce memory cells. Throughout the lifetime
of an animal, these cells will 'remember' each specific pathogen encountered, and are able to
make a strong response if the pathogen is detected again. Memory cells live a long time in the
body, and are how vaccinations work.