Lymphatic System

• Functions

– Immunity

– Lipid transport from digestive system

– Drains interstitial fluid back to blood

• Components

– Lymphatic tissue

• Macrophages

• T cells

• B cells

• Reticular CT framework

– Lymphatic organs

• Composed of lymphatic tissue surrounded by CT capsule

– lymph nodes

– Lymphatic organs

• Composed of lymphatic tissue surrounded by CT capsule

– lymph nodes

– spleen

– thymus gland

– Lymphatic nodules

• Small clumps of lymphatic tissue not surrounded by a CT capsule

– MALT

– tonsils

– Peyer’s patches

– Lymphatic circulation

• Function: transports lymph

• Composition:

– lymphatic capillaries

– lymphatic vessels

» lymphatics

» lymphatic trunks

» lymphatic ducts

• Lymphatic Drainage

– Excessive interstitial fluid enters lymphatic capillaries

–Lymph flow promoted by

• Skeletal muscle contraction

• Breathing movements

• Consequences of lymphatic obstruction?

lymphatic video