The lymphatic system
The lymphatic system is a 1-way system that returns lymph fluid via vessels to the cardiovascular system for eventual elimination of toxic byproducts by organs, such as the kidney, colon, liver, skin, and the lungs.
Functions of the lymphatic system
1.Collect and transport tissue fluids from the intercellular spaces in all the tissues of the body, back to the veins in the blood system.
2. Defense against invading organisms by transporting white blood cells to and from the lymph nodes into the bones.
3. Absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins from the digestive system and transport the elements to the venous circulation.
2. Defense against invading organisms by transporting white blood cells to and from the lymph nodes into the bones.
3. Absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins from the digestive system and transport the elements to the venous circulation.
Composition of lymph
Lymph is a fluid that surrounds body cells. It contains proteins and other nutrients that have been lost from the blood. Lymph is transported through lymph vessels in order to return the nutrients back to the blood stream.
Organs of the lymphatic system
1. Lymph- They contains nutrients, hormones, oxygen, and fatty acids. It also contains toxins and cellular waste products that are transported to and from cellular tissues.
2. Lymphatic Vessels- These vessels transport lymph from peripheral tissues to the veins of the cardiovascular system.
3. Lymph Nodes- The lymph nodes monitor the composition of lymph, the location of pathogen engulfment and eradication, the immunologic response, and the regulation site.
4. Spleen- The spleen monitors the composition of the blood components, the location of pathogen engulfment and eradication, the immunologic response, and the regulation site.
5. Thymus- The thymus serves as the site of T-lymphocyte maturation, development, and control.
2. Lymphatic Vessels- These vessels transport lymph from peripheral tissues to the veins of the cardiovascular system.
3. Lymph Nodes- The lymph nodes monitor the composition of lymph, the location of pathogen engulfment and eradication, the immunologic response, and the regulation site.
4. Spleen- The spleen monitors the composition of the blood components, the location of pathogen engulfment and eradication, the immunologic response, and the regulation site.
5. Thymus- The thymus serves as the site of T-lymphocyte maturation, development, and control.