What is Lymphatic System?
It is known to us that the blood is circulating in almost all parts of the human body. When circulating blood reaches the capillaries, part of its fluid content passes into the adjacent tissues as tissue fluid. Most of this fluid re-enters the capillaries at their venous ends. Some of it, however, returns to the circulation through a separate system of lymphatic vessel which is called lymphatic. The fluid passing through the lymphatic vessels is called lymph. The smallest lymphatic vessels are lymphatic capillaries which unite together to form larger lymph vessels. The lymph vessels from various parts of the body ultimately end in a few large vessels through which lymph drains into the blood stream by joining the sub-clavian veins at their connection with the internal jugular veins. The whole system is called the lymphatic system in human body.
Aggregations of lymphoid tissue are also found at various other sites. Thymus is a large lymphoid organ located in the anterior of the thoracic cavity and lower part of the neck. Spleen is another large lymphoid situated in the left upper part of the organ situated in the left upper part abdomen. Important aggregations of lymphoid tissue are also present in close relationship to the lining epithelium of the gut. Such aggregations present in the region of the pharynx constitute tonsils. In lymphatic system, isolated nodules of lymphoid tissue, and larger aggregations, called Peyer's patches, are present in the mucosa and sub-mucosa of the small intestine. The mucosa of the vermiform appendix also contains abundant lymphoid tissue. Lymphoid tissues are also present in the walls of the trachea and larger bronchi.
What is Lymph?
The lymph is fluid that circulates in the human circulatory lymphatic system. It is derivative of blood plasma, but clearer and more watery, lymph seeps through the capillary walls to fill tissue spaces. It contains the same proteins as in blood plasma, but in smaller amounts and in somewhat different proportions. There are present various cells suspended in lymph that are mainly lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are added to lymph as it passes through lymph nodes in the lymphatic system.
What are the functions of Lymphatic System?
Lymphatic system is related to cardiovascular system. The lymphatic system performs a number of major functions. It is important in the body's resistance mechanism, filtering out disease causing organisms, manufacturing white blood cells, as well as generating antibodies. The lymphatic system is also important in the distribution of fluid and nutrients all over the body because it drains off excess fluids and proteins left behind by the capillary circulation so that the tissues do not swell. Moreover, spleen removes old and worn red cells from the blood, returning iron to the blood for reuse in synthesizing hemoglobin, and breaking down the remainder Spleen also stores extra blood for release when shortages take place.
Physiology related pages:
- Physiology
- Human Organ System
- Blood
- Red blood cells
- Hemoglobin
- Blood Clotting Process
- Blood Group Types
- Rh Factor
- Blood Pressure
- Normal white blood cell count
- Lymphatic System
- Nervous System
- The Spinal Cord
- Nervous System Function
- Structure of Neuron
- Synapse
- Cranial Nerves
- Autonomic Nervous System
- Endocrine System
- Hormones
- Classification of Hormones
- Pituitary Gland Hormones
- Posterior Pituitary Hormones
- Function of Thyroid Hormone
- Gastrointestinal Hormones
- Where is the Pancreas
- Pancreas Function
- Growth Hormone Deficiency
- Adrenal Cortex
- Enzymes
- Vitamin
- Fat Soluble Vitamins
- Water Soluble Vitamins
- Folic Acid and Vitamin C
- Minerals for the body
- Essential Minerals for the body
- Amino Acids
- Classification of Proteins
- Protein Function
- Protein Properties
- Types of Fatty Acids
- Lipids
- Lipid Classification
- Respiratory System
- Mechanism of Breathing
- Respiratory System Disorders
- Cardiovascular System
- Immunology
- Immune System
- Human muscles
- Properties of Muscles
- Skeletal Muscle
- Muscle contraction
- Heart Muscle
- Smooth Muscle
- BMR
- BMR Measurement
- Bone Joint
- Mouth Cavity
- Male Reproductive System
- Human Urine
- Abnormal constituents of urine
- Sweat Glands
- Mental Illness
- Digestion of carbohydrates
- Protein Digestion