The Lymphatic System

Need to Describe
The structure of the lymphatic
system to include lymph nodes and
lymph vessels
3 functions of the lymphatic system

Lymphatic System
Second circulatory system found in
mammals
One way system of dead ending
vessels and lymph nodes
The vessels collect the fluid that
surround each cell in the body and
return it to the blood
Lymph nodes are swellings in the
lymph vessels
The nodes help to fight infection

Formation of
Lymph
Blood in arteries under higher
pressure than veins forcing some of
the fluid and small proteins to be
forced out of the plasma
Tissue fluid/interstitial fluid/
extracellular fluid
Similar to plasma but has no red
blood cells or platelets
As tissue fluid is continuously being

 90 % of tissue fluid is
drawn back into the
plasma in the capillaries
near the veins, done by
osmosis
10% enters lymph
vessels. It is now called
lymph and contains large
amounts of white blood
cells, proteins and fats.
A system of valves
ensures lymph flow is
towards the shoulder
region

 Smaller lymph
vessels join together
to form 2 main
vessels
The thoracic duct on
left
The lymphatic duct on
right

These ducts empty

into the blood stream
at the subclavian
veins located near
the collar bones

Lymph nodes
Small swellings along lymph vessels
Contain large numbers of white blood cells
(lymphocytes)
Found in clusters which form glands in
areas such as tonsils, neck, armpits, groin
Fight infection
Filter bacteria and other harmful material
Mature and store large numbers of lymphocytes

Functions of Lymphatic
System
1. Collect tissue fluid and return to
blood
2. Defend the body against infection
3. Absorb and transport fats in the
digestive system