Lymphatic system

The lymphatic system has several important functions: Removal of excess interstitial fluid and dissolved substances that leak from the blood capillaries. Transport of fats from the small interstine to the bloodstream Defence of the body by exposing bacteria and viruses to white blood cells.

Structure of Lymphatic Vessels

Lymphatic vessels resemble veins in structure with these exceptions: Lymphatics have thinner walls. Lymphatics contain more valves. Lymphatics contain lymph nodes located at certain intervals along their course.

The structure of lymphatic system

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L.S starts from the minute blind-ended tubes including lacteal in the ileum, & lymphatic capillaries (L.C) in other tissues The L.C join to form larger lymphatic vessel called Lymphatics Semilunar valves are present along the lymphatics The lymphatics from all part of the body finally form 2 large ducts, the right lymphatic duct and thoracic duct. Situated at intervals along the lymphatics are the ovalshaped structures called lymph nodes Lymphocytes are found in the lymph nodes. It produce antibodies and play an important roles in the bodys immune system. Phagocytes in the lymph nodes help to remove bacteria

Lymph and Interstitial Fluid

Lymph : clear, watery fluid found in the lymphatic vessels. Interstitial fluid : fluid that fills the spaces around cells. In some cases, it is part of the semifluid ground substance. In others, it is bound water in a gelatinous ground substance.

Formation of interstitial fluid

When blood flow from arteries to capillaries, higher hydrostatic pressure is formed. This pressure forces some fluid out through the capillary wall into intercellular spaces between the cells and Interstitial fluid are form Interstitial fluid is similar to blood plasma except it has no erythrocyte, platelet or protein molecules

Composition of Interstitial Fluid

Interstitial fluid consist of water dissolved nutrients Hormones waste products Gases Small protein from the blood and leucocytes

Importance of interstitial fluid

It forms the internal environment of the body It bathes the cell and supplies them with their requirement. As a medium for the diffusion of O2 & nutrients from the blood through into the cell As a medium of diffusion of the excretory waste product, such as CO2, urea from the cell

How does the lymphatic system complement the circulatory system?

1. About 15% of I.F drains into the lymphatic capillaries forming lymph 2. The movement of lymph along the lymphatics is due to the contraction & relaxation of skeletal muscles. Backflow is prevented by semilunar valves 3. Lymph in the right lymphatic duct flows into the right subclavian veins and lymph in the thoracic duct flows into the left subclavian veins of blood circulatory system

The relationship between the lymphatic system and the circulatory system heart Blood capillary Interstitial fluid
10%

vena cava left subclavian vein Thoracic duct

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90%

right subclavian vein Right lymphatic duct

Ls

Lymph capillary

Lymphatic vessels

What would happen if the I.F fails to return to the circulatory system?
If the I.F fails to return to the circulatory system, it accumulates in the organs & tissues As the result, the organs and tissue swell up, in the form of a condition called oedema. Therefore, I.F should return to the circulatory system at the same rate as it is produced.