BIOS 255
(EDAPT WEEK 4)
Anatomy & Physiology III course with a lab
,General Functions of the Lymphatic System
Introduction
The lymphatic system is a multipurpose collection of organs, vessels,
tissues, and a fluid called lymph. Lymphatic vessels transport the lymph
through the body. Lymphatic tissues, lymphatic organs, and specialized
reticular tissue containing large numbers of lymphocytes and various
other phagocytes monitor this fluid and play a critical role in the defense
of our body from foreign pathogens and even our own cancerous cells.
Major Functions of the Lymphatic
System
The lymphatic system is a multifaceted organ system with a great variety
of functionality including fluid balance, formation of lymph, lipid
absorption and transport, and immunity.
Fluid Balance
In a single day, about 30 L of fluid will leave the blood in the systemic
capillaries into the interstitial fluid. Of this 30 L, only about 27 L will return
to the blood. As we will see in the coming weeks, the amount of
substances entering an area of the body must equal what comes out, lest
edema should occur. As such, lymphatic capillaries will act to collect the
remaining fluid in the form of lymph.
Formation of Lymph
This lymph will be composed of a mixture of water, ions, and various
proteins. It is the result of the filtration of blood plasma and the
absorption of interstitial fluids. This lymph will give the means of
transport of pathogens to lymph nodes to eliminate infection and can aid
in the production of lymphocytes.
, Lipid Absorption and Transport
Lacteals are lymphatic structures found within the lining of the small
intestine. These lacteals will absorb lipids and various other substances
that we will learn about in AP4. When the lipids enter the lacteals, they
will pass through the lymphatic vessels until they reach the veins. This
lipid containing lymph is known as chyle and will appear white.
Immunity
Foreign bodies such as pathogens and microorganisms will be filtered
from the lymph via lymph nodes and from the blood via the
spleen. Lymphocytes that are produced within the lymphatic system are
capable of targeting and destroying pathogens, preventing
infection. When discussing many infectious diseases, it is important to
note that these diseases may produce symptoms associated with the
lymphatic system due to its role in fighting infection and filtering blood
and lymph.
(EDAPT WEEK 4)
Anatomy & Physiology III course with a lab
,General Functions of the Lymphatic System
Introduction
The lymphatic system is a multipurpose collection of organs, vessels,
tissues, and a fluid called lymph. Lymphatic vessels transport the lymph
through the body. Lymphatic tissues, lymphatic organs, and specialized
reticular tissue containing large numbers of lymphocytes and various
other phagocytes monitor this fluid and play a critical role in the defense
of our body from foreign pathogens and even our own cancerous cells.
Major Functions of the Lymphatic
System
The lymphatic system is a multifaceted organ system with a great variety
of functionality including fluid balance, formation of lymph, lipid
absorption and transport, and immunity.
Fluid Balance
In a single day, about 30 L of fluid will leave the blood in the systemic
capillaries into the interstitial fluid. Of this 30 L, only about 27 L will return
to the blood. As we will see in the coming weeks, the amount of
substances entering an area of the body must equal what comes out, lest
edema should occur. As such, lymphatic capillaries will act to collect the
remaining fluid in the form of lymph.
Formation of Lymph
This lymph will be composed of a mixture of water, ions, and various
proteins. It is the result of the filtration of blood plasma and the
absorption of interstitial fluids. This lymph will give the means of
transport of pathogens to lymph nodes to eliminate infection and can aid
in the production of lymphocytes.
, Lipid Absorption and Transport
Lacteals are lymphatic structures found within the lining of the small
intestine. These lacteals will absorb lipids and various other substances
that we will learn about in AP4. When the lipids enter the lacteals, they
will pass through the lymphatic vessels until they reach the veins. This
lipid containing lymph is known as chyle and will appear white.
Immunity
Foreign bodies such as pathogens and microorganisms will be filtered
from the lymph via lymph nodes and from the blood via the
spleen. Lymphocytes that are produced within the lymphatic system are
capable of targeting and destroying pathogens, preventing
infection. When discussing many infectious diseases, it is important to
note that these diseases may produce symptoms associated with the
lymphatic system due to its role in fighting infection and filtering blood
and lymph.
