Lymphatic System
Lymph vessels
Mingled among the blood capillaries throughout your body is another network of
tiny, thin-walled vessels called lymphatic capillaries. Lymphatic capillaries are
designed to pick up the fluid that leaks into your tissues from your bloodstream and
return it to your circulatory system.
Lymph Nodes
Lymph nodes are located throughout the body, but the largest groupings are found
in the neck, armpits, and groin areas.
Lymph Vessels
As well as the Lymph Nodes, there are specific organs that are part of the lymphatic
system
These include the thymus, Spleen and Tonsils.
Thymus
In the neck. Produces T-lymphocytes for the immune system. The human
thymus becomes much smaller at the approach of puberty.
You make most of your T Cells in childhood.
Spleen
Found behind the stomach
Largest lymphatic organ in the body
Similar in structure to a large lymph node, it acts primarily as a blood filter.
The spleen plays important roles regarding red blood cells and the immune system.
It removes old red blood cells and holds a reserve of blood, which can be valuable in
case of haemorrhagic shock, and recycles iron.
Tonsils
Most people have five tonsils. These include a single pharyngeal tonsil,
often referred to as the adenoid, located in the posterior wall of the upper part of
the throat. A pair of palatine tonsils is found at the back of the mouth; a pair of
lingual tonsils is located at the base of the tongue.
The tonsils combat bacteria and viruses that enter your body through your
mouth. However, tonsils are also vulnerable to infection from these invaders.
Lymph vessels
Mingled among the blood capillaries throughout your body is another network of
tiny, thin-walled vessels called lymphatic capillaries. Lymphatic capillaries are
designed to pick up the fluid that leaks into your tissues from your bloodstream and
return it to your circulatory system.
Lymph Nodes
Lymph nodes are located throughout the body, but the largest groupings are found
in the neck, armpits, and groin areas.
Lymph Vessels
As well as the Lymph Nodes, there are specific organs that are part of the lymphatic
system
These include the thymus, Spleen and Tonsils.
Thymus
In the neck. Produces T-lymphocytes for the immune system. The human
thymus becomes much smaller at the approach of puberty.
You make most of your T Cells in childhood.
Spleen
Found behind the stomach
Largest lymphatic organ in the body
Similar in structure to a large lymph node, it acts primarily as a blood filter.
The spleen plays important roles regarding red blood cells and the immune system.
It removes old red blood cells and holds a reserve of blood, which can be valuable in
case of haemorrhagic shock, and recycles iron.
Tonsils
Most people have five tonsils. These include a single pharyngeal tonsil,
often referred to as the adenoid, located in the posterior wall of the upper part of
the throat. A pair of palatine tonsils is found at the back of the mouth; a pair of
lingual tonsils is located at the base of the tongue.
The tonsils combat bacteria and viruses that enter your body through your
mouth. However, tonsils are also vulnerable to infection from these invaders.
