Complete anatomy of lymphatic system, Study notes of Anatomy

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Ziya Sunny, Nursing tutor,Dept of psychology Rajiv Gandhi University of health&science, Banglore

Content

1.Lymph

2.Lymph vessels

3.Lymphatic organs and tissues

The lymphatic system functions to transport excess fluid, proteins, and other substances from the tissues back into the blood circulation, and to defend the body against infections and disease.

1.Lymph

Lymph is a clear watery fluid similar in composition to plasma,with the important exception of plasma proteins, and identical in composition to interstitial fluid. Lymph transports the plasma proteins that seep out of the capillary beds back to bloodstream.Lymph contain lymphocytes which circulate in the lymphatic system allowing them to patrol the different regions of the body.In the lacteals of the small intestine,fats absorbed into the lymphatic give the lymph a milky appearance.

2.Lymph vessels

Lymph vessels are a type of circulatory system that forms a network of vessels and nodes throughout the body. They are responsible for the transportation of lymph, a fluid that contains white blood cells, proteins, and waste products, from the tissues back to the bloodstream.

Lymph vessels are similar in structure to blood vessels, with a thin wall composed of endothelial cells and a smooth muscle layer that helps move lymph along the vessel. Lymph vessels have one-way valves that prevent the backflow of lymph, and they ultimately drain into larger lymphatic vessels called lymph ducts, which empty into the bloodstream.

3.Lymphatic organs and tissues

Lymphatic organs are specialized structures that are part of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic organs include:  Lymph nodes: Small, bean-shaped structures located throughout the body that filter lymph (a clear fluid that

Organs associated with spleen Superiorly and Posteriorly —diaphragm Inferiorly —left colic flexure of the large intestine Anteriorly —fundus of stomach Medially —pancreas and left kidney  Thymus: A gland located in the chest behind the breastbone that is involved in the development of T cells, which are important cells in the immune system.The thymus consist of two lobes joined by areolar tissue.

Organs associated with the thymus Anteriorly —sternum and upper fourcostal cartilage Posteriorly —aortic arch and it's branches,trachea Laterally —lungs Superiorly —structures in the root of the neck Inferiorly —heart  Tonsils: Small masses of lymphatic tissue located at the back of the throat that help to trap and remove bacteria and other foreign substances.

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, or MALT, refers to a type of lymphoid tissue found in mucosal surfaces of the body, such as the lining of the digestive tract, respiratory tract, and urogenital system. It is part of the body's immune system and is made up of lymphocytes, plasma cells, and other immune cells that protect against invading pathogens. MALT can be divided into two main types: organized MALT and diffuse MALT. Organized MALT refers to lymphoid tissue that is organized into well-defined structures, such as lymph nodes or tonsils, while diffuse MALT refers to lymphoid tissue that is dispersed throughout the mucosa. MALT plays an important role in immune defense at mucosal surfaces, as these surfaces are the primary points of contact with the external environment and are therefore at increased risk of infection. MALT cells can produce antibodies and other immune factors to neutralize pathogens, as well as trigger an inflammatory response to recruit other immune cells to the site of infection. Reference Ross and Wilson —Anatomy and Physiology in health and illness