The Lymphatic System

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• The Lymphatic System
  • Main lymph vessels and ducts
    • Right lymphatic duct
      • Returns lymph to the bloodstream via the right subclavian vein
    • Left thoracic duct
      • Returns lymph to the bloodstream via the left subclavian vein
  • Where lymph originates from
    • When blood filters out the capillaries, not all of it goes back into the capillaries
    • The leftover fluid goes into the lymph capillaries
      • The lymph capillaries are intertwined between the normal capillaries
      • As soon as the fluid enters the lymph capillaries it is called lymph
  • Lymph capillaries
    • Intertwined between regular capillaries
    • Found everywhere except the brain and spinal cord
    • Join up to form lymph vessels
  • Differs from the blood system
    • It doesn’t have a pump
    • Semi-lunar valves prevent the backflow of lymph
    • Muscular movement during exercise helps push the lymph. along
    • Lymph vessels are blind-ended
      • Only transport fluid back to the heart
  • The functions of lymph
    • Helps the circulatory system to return fluid back to the heart
    • Lacteal
      • The lymph vessel inside the villi of the small intestine
        • Aids in the absorption and transportation of fat
    • Glands
      • Play a vital role
        • In destroying pathogenic or disease-causing organisms
          • The lymph glands in your neck swell if there is an infection
  • Elephantiasis
    • Condition that is transferred by mosquito 
    • The parasite infects the lymph glands of the body, causing them to be blocked
      • The lymph cannot pass through the glands which causes severe swelling
  • The structure of lymph vessels
    • Similar structure to veins
      • Thin walled
      • Semi-lunar valves to prevent backflow
    • Lymph glands (lymph nodes)
      • White blood cells are found in large numbers in the glands
      • The lymph travels through the glands as it flows to the heart
      • If there is any bacteria in the glands, the white blood cells will destroy them
  • Types of Plasma
    • When in blood vessels
      • Blood plasma
    • When bathing cells
      • Tissue fluid
    • When in lymph vessels
      • Lymph