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Lymph

The document provides an overview of the lymphatic system, detailing the composition, formation, and circulation of lymph, as well as the structure and functions of the spleen. It highlights the spleen's roles in immune function, blood storage, and recycling, along with common disorders such as splenomegaly and splenectomy. Additionally, it defines disorders of the lymphatic system, including lymphedema and lymphadenopathy.

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badrinath0307
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4 views

Lymph

The document provides an overview of the lymphatic system, detailing the composition, formation, and circulation of lymph, as well as the structure and functions of the spleen. It highlights the spleen's roles in immune function, blood storage, and recycling, along with common disorders such as splenomegaly and splenectomy. Additionally, it defines disorders of the lymphatic system, including lymphedema and lymphadenopathy.

Uploaded by

badrinath0307
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Lymph

a) Lymph and lymphatic system:


Lymph:
• Composition: Lymph is a clear, colorless fluid that resembles plasma but contains
fewer proteins. It is derived from interstitial fluid that bathes the body's tissues and is
collected by lymphatic vessels.
• Formation: Lymph is formed when interstitial fluid enters lymphatic capillaries, which
are blind-ended vessels with highly permeable walls. These capillaries converge to
form larger lymphatic vessels, which transport lymph through lymph nodes and
ultimately return it to the bloodstream via the thoracic duct or right lymphatic duct.
• Circulation: Lymphatic vessels parallel the blood vessels throughout the body, with
lymph nodes strategically located along their course. Lymph flows unidirectionally
toward lymph nodes, where it is filtered and cleansed of pathogens, foreign particles,
and cellular debris by immune cells such as lymphocytes and macrophages. The
lymphatic circulation helps maintain fluid balance, immune surveillance, and the
transport of dietary lipids (chylomicrons) absorbed from the intestines.
b) Spleen:
Structure:
• Location: Located in the upper left abdomen, beneath the diaphragm, and behind
the stomach.
• Anatomy: The spleen is a soft, spongy organ composed of two types of tissue: white
pulp and red pulp.
• White Pulp: Consists of lymphatic tissue (lymphocytes and macrophages)
arranged around central arteries, serving primarily as a site for immune
responses.
• Red Pulp: Composed of blood-filled sinusoids and splenic cords (cords of
connective tissue and macrophages), where old or damaged red blood cells
are removed and recycled.
Functions:
• Immune Function: The spleen plays a crucial role in immune surveillance and defense
against infections. It filters the blood and removes pathogens, foreign particles, and
abnormal cells.
• Hematopoietic Function: During fetal development and in certain pathological
conditions, the spleen can serve as a site for hematopoiesis (blood cell production).
• Blood Storage and Recycling: The spleen stores a reserve of red blood cells and
platelets and releases them into circulation when needed. It also removes and
recycles old or damaged red blood cells, contributing to the maintenance of
hematological balance.
Disorders:
• Splenic Disorders:
• Splenomegaly: Enlargement of the spleen, often due to various underlying
conditions such as infections (e.g., mononucleosis), liver disease,
hematological disorders (e.g., leukemia), or autoimmune diseases.
• Splenectomy: Surgical removal of the spleen, usually performed to treat
conditions such as trauma, certain blood disorders, or cancer. Splenectomy
increases the risk of infections, particularly from encapsulated bacteria, and
may lead to alterations in blood cell counts and function.

c) Disorders of the lymphatic system (definition only):


• Lymphedema: A condition characterized by swelling (edema) due to the
accumulation of lymphatic fluid, typically in the arms or legs, resulting from impaired
lymphatic drainage. Primary lymphedema is caused by congenital abnormalities of
the lymphatic system, while secondary lymphedema can result from surgery,
radiation therapy, infection, or trauma.
• Lymphadenopathy: Enlargement of lymph nodes, which may be caused by infections
(e.g., bacterial, viral), inflammatory conditions, malignancies (e.g., lymphoma,
metastatic cancer), or autoimmune diseases. Lymphadenopathy may be localized or
generalized and can present with pain, tenderness, or palpable lymph nodes.

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