Results for lymphatic system

On this page:

Dictionary: Also from Answers.com...

Herpes
What is Herpes? Learn the signs and symptoms.

lymphatic system
n. The interconnected system of spaces and vessels between body tissues and organs by which lymph circulates throughout the body.

lymphatic system

WebNewsImagesShopping Page Tools Print this page Send to friend Personalize

Library Arts Business Entertainment Food

Government Health Legal Leisure Military People Reference Religion Science Shopping Sports Travel Words Zoology More... Sci-Tech Encyclopedia: Lymphatic system A system of vessels in the vertebrate body, beginning in a network of exceedingly thinwalled capillaries in almost all the organs and tissues except the brain and bones. This network is drained by larger channels, mostly coursing along the veins and eventually joining to form a large vessel, the thoracic duct, which runs beside the spinal column to enter the left subclavian vein at the base of the neck. The lymph fluid originates in the tissue spaces by filtration from the blood capillaries. While in the lymphatic capillaries it is clear and watery. However, at intervals along the larger lymphatic vessels, the lymph passes through spongelike lymph nodes, where it receives great numbers of cells, the lymphocytes, and becomes turbid. The lymph nodes of mammals vary in number, size, form, and structure in different species. The amount of connective tissue of the lymph nodes, that is, the degree of development of the capsule and trabeculae, also varies in different mammals. Other lymphoid organs include the tonsils, thymus gland, and spleen, and in certain classes and groups of animals, structures which are confined to such groups, for instance, the bursa of Fabricius in the birds, a diverticulum from the lower end of the alimentary canal. See also Spleen; Tonsil.

The functions of the lymphatics are to remove particulate materials such as molecular proteins and bacteria from the tissues; to transport fat from the intestine to the blood; to supply the blood with lymphocytes; to remove excess fluid; also to return to the bloodstream the protein which has escaped from the blood capillaries. Basically, the composition of lymph closely resembles that of the plasma; lymph contains all of the types of protein found in plasma, but in lower concentration. The composition of lymph varies to some extent from one part of the body to another. Thus, the lymph from the liver contains more protein than that from the skin. The lymph nodes serve as filtering-out places for foreign particles, including microorganisms, because the lymph comes into intimate contact with the many phagocytic cells of the sinusoids. These macrophages are of both the fixed and free wandering types. In addition to the phagocytic function, lymphoid tissue produces antibodies, although the actual process of antibody formation is not well understood. See also Cellular immunology; Phagocytosis. World of the Body: lymphatic system This comprises a body-wide network of branching lymphatic vessels (carrying the fluid lymph) ; the lymph nodes and other lymphoid tissue; the lymphocytes (in the circulating blood) ; the spleen, the bone marrow, and, in early life, the thymus. That blood circulates is common knowledge. The less dramatic circulation of lymph is less well known, but although its interruption has less immediately hazardous consequences, it is physiologically essential. Also, the lymphoid tissue is a vital component of the body's immune system. All blood capillaries are to some extent leaky, though the leakiness varies between different organs and tissues. The hydrostatic pressure inside the capillaries is greater than that in the tissues, pushing fluid out. The fluid that leaks out into the interstices among the cells is a little of the watery part of the blood plasma, with all the substances it contains except for the larger proteins. Conversely, some water moves into the capillaries because of the osmotic pull of those proteins. Normally, there is a small net loss from the blood. This fluid movement has the effect of refreshing the tissue fluid in the immediate environment of the cells. Fluid does not accumulate in the tissues, but moves away by entering the blind ends of microscopic lymphatic channels, which are present in all organs and tissues except the central nervous system. These vessels drain into progressively larger ones, and they have valves which maintain flow towards the chest. En route, lymph vessels encounter lymph nodes or other lymphoid tissue such as the patches which lie behind the lining of the large intestine, and the tonsils and adenoids at the back of the throat and nose. The lymph passing through these is exposed to phagocytes which pick up any foreign material, notably bacteria, and take part in the processes of the immune system mediated by the lymphocytes which populate the lymphoid tissue. Thus any invader which gets further than the point of entry, and travels in the lymph, will be challenged at the first lymph node it reaches; for this reason an infection for example in a finger may give rise to an inflamed lymph node at the elbow, or if it gets past there, in the armpit; or a sore throat or mouth ulcer can cause tender swollen lymph nodes in the neck. The lymphoid tissue in the wall of the large intestine performs a similar function for any bacterial or other invasion from the faeces.

The lymph nodes are outposts of the immune system, well placed to challenge bacterial invaders. Cancer cells gain access to lymphatic vessels in tumour tissue, and spread by this route; further spread may be initially forestalled at the lymph nodes. For this reason, surgical removal of a malignant tumour may also involve a clearance of the lymph nodes to which its vessels drain. If lymph vessels draining a part of the body (such as an arm) are blocked or removed, there will inevitably be a collection of excess fluid in the catchment area of those vessels: this is one cause of oedema. The lymph from the whole body (except the central nervous system) finally drains into vessels at the base of the neck (the major one is the thoracic duct) and flow through these into the venous blood stream, on its way to the heart. Thus the fluid lost from the blood capillaries is recycled. Overall, the rate of flow is about 4 litres in 24 hours. The lymph drained from the small intestine has an additional function: it carries the fats absorbed from the food. Because of this, the lymph in the thoracic duct (known as chyle) has a high fat content; it also has a high protein content because although a very small fraction of the plasma proteins escape from blood capillaries in the tissues, the amount collected from the whole body is significant. Illustration

Lymphatic system (Click to enlarge)

 Sheila Jennett See also blood; immune system; oedema; thymus. Dental Dictionary: lymphatic system n A vast, complex network of capillaries, thin vessels, valves, ducts, nodes, and organs that helps to protect and maintain the internal fluid environment of the entire body by producing, filtering, and conveying lymph and by producing various blood cells. Britannica Concise Encyclopedia: lymphatic system System of lymph nodes, vessels, and nodules and lymphoid tissue, including the thymus, spleen, tonsils, and bone marrow, through which lymph circulates and is filtered. Its primary function is to return proteins, waste products, and fluids to the blood; molecules too big to enter the capillaries pass through the more permeable walls of lymphatic vessels. Valves keep lymph flowing in one direction, more slowly than blood and at a lower pressure. The lymphatic system also has a role in the immune system. Nodes filter bacteria and foreign matter from lymph. Smaller nodules, which often produce lymphocytes, form in areas more exposed to such materials. They can merge and become permanent, as in the tonsils. Blockage of a lymph vessel may cause fluid to collect in the tissues, producing lymphedema (tissue swelling). Other lymphatic system disorders include lymphocytic leukemias and lymphoma. See also reticuloendothelial system. For more information on lymphatic system, visit Britannica.com. Sports Science and Medicine: lymphatic system A system of blind-ending vessels that drain excess fluid from the extracellular spaces. The lymphatic system contains lymph nodes, and produces macrophages and lymphocytes. Groups of nodes occur in most parts of the body, but particularly in the groin, armpits, and behind the ears and neck. They often become inflamed during an infection. Columbia Encyclopedia: lymphatic system (lmft'k) , network of vessels carrying lymph, or tissue-cleansing fluid, from the tissues into the veins of the circulatory system. The lymphatic system functions along with the circulatory system in absorbing nutrients from the small intestines. A large portion of digested fats are absorbed via the lymphatic capillaries. Like the blood circulatory system, the lymphatic system is composed of fine capillaries that lie adjacent to the blood vessels. These merge into larger tributaries known as trunks, and these in turn merge into two still larger vessels called ducts. The thoracic and right lymphatic ducts empty into the venous system in the region of the collarbones. Lymph, a colorless fluid whose composition is similar to that of blood except that it does not contain red blood cells or platelets, and contains considerably less protein, is continuously passing through the walls of the

capillaries. It transports nutrients to the cells and collects waste products. Most of the lymph returns to the venous capillaries; however, a small amount (about 10%) enters the terminal lymphatic capillaries and is returned to the blood via the lymphatic system. The fluid that flows through the lymphatic system is functionally important because it contains substances having large molecules (such as proteins and bacteria) that cannot enter the small pores of the venous capillaries. Along the lymphatic network in certain areas of the body (neck, armpit, groin, abdomen, chest) are small reservoirs, the lymph nodes, which collect bacteria and other deleterious agents from the lymph which passes through them, and act as a barrier against the entrance of these substances into the bloodstream. In a disease state, therefore, the lymph nodes may become filled with harmful material to the degree where they can be seen or felt; therefore, enlarged lymph nodes are of diagnostic importance. Such enlargement of the lymph nodes can be a warning sign of various kinds of cancer, including breast cancer and Hodgkin's disease. In cases where a cancerous growth has developed, removal of lymph nodes may help to prevent its further spread. However, such a procedure also slows the flow of lymph and may thus render some of the body vulnerable to infection. See also lymphoma, nonHodgkin's. Health Dictionary: lymphatic system (lim-FAT-ik) The network of small vessels and tissue spaces that move lymph throughout the body. The lymphatic system has several functions, including filtering out harmful bacteria; manufacturing white blood cells (white blood cells are produced by the lymph nodes); distributing nutrients to the cells of the body; helping to maintain the body's fluid balance by draining off excess fluids so that tissues do not swell; and assisting in the digestion of fats.

Wikipedia: lymphatic system

The human lymphatic system The lymphatic system is a complex network of lymphoid organs, lymph nodes, lymph ducts, lymphatic tissues, lymph capillaries and lymph vessels that produce and transport lymph fluid from tissues to the circulatory system. The lymphatic system is a major component of the immune system. The lymphatic system has three interrelated functions: (1) removal of excess fluids from body tissues, (2) absorption of fatty acids and subsequent transport of fat, as chyle, to the circulatory system and, (3) production of immune cells such as lymphocytes (e.g. antibody producing plasma cells) and monocytes.

Lymphatic circulation
Unlike the blood system, the lymphatic system is not closed and has no central pump. Lymph movement occurs slowly with low pressure due to peristalsis, valves, and the milking action of skeletal muscles. Like veins, lymph travels through vessels in one way only, due to semilunar valves. This depends mainly on the movement of skeletal muscles to squeeze fluid through them, especially near the joints. Rhythmic contraction of the vessel walls through movements may also help draw fluid into the smallest lymphatic vessels, capillaries. Tight clothing can restrict this, thus reducing the removal of wastes and allowing them to accumulate. If tissue fluid builds up the tissue will swell; this is called edema. As the circular path through the body's system continues, the fluid is then transported to progressively larger lymphatic vessels culminating in the right lymphatic duct (for lymph from the right upper body) and the thoracic duct (for the rest of the body); both ducts drain into the circulatory system at the right and left subclavian veins. The system collaborates with white blood cells in lymph nodes to protect the body from

being infected by cancer cells, fungi, viruses or bacteria. This is known as a secondary circulatory system.

Function of the fatty acid transport system

Lymph vessels called lacteals are present in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. While most other nutrients absorbed by the small intestine are passed on to the portal venous system to drain, via the portal vein, into the liver for processing, fats (lipids) are passed on to the lymphatic system, to be transported to the blood circulation via the thoracic duct. The enriched lymph originating in the lymphatics of the small intestine is called chyle (not chyme). As the blood circulates, fluid leaks out into the body tissues. This fluid is important because it carries food to the cells and waste back to the bloodstream. The nutrients that are released to the circulatory system are processed by the liver, having passed through the systemic circulation. The lymph system is a one-way system, transporting interstitial fluid back to blood.

Pathology
In elephantiasis, infection of the lymphatic vessels cause a thickening of the skin and enlargement of underlying tissues, especially in the legs and genitals. It is most commonly caused by a parasitic disease known as lymphatic filariasis. Lymphedema also causes abnormal swelling, especially in the appendages (though the face, neck, and abdomen can also be affected). It occurs if the lymphatic system is damaged, or underdeveloped in some way. An estimated 170 million suffer with the disorder. There are three stages: Stage 1: Pressing the swollen limb leaves a pit that takes a while to fill back in. Because there is little fibrosis (hardening) it is often reversible. Elevation reduces swelling. Stage 2: Pressure does not leave a pit. Elevation does not help. If left untreated, the limb becomes fibrotic. Stage 3: This stage of lymphedema is often called elephantiasis. It is generally only in the legs after lymphema that has gone long untreated. While treatment can help a little, it is not reversible.

Development of Lymphatic Tissues

Lymphatic tissues begin to develop by the end of the fifth week of embryonic life. Lymphatic vessels develop from lymph sacs that arise from developing veins, which are derived from mesoderm. The first lymph sacs to appear are the paired jugular lymph sacs at the junction of the internal jugular and subclavian veins. From the jugular lymph sacs, lymphatic capillary plexuses spread to the thorax, upper limbs, neck and head. Some of the plexuses enlarge and form lymphatic vessels in their respective regions. Each jugular lymph sac retains at least one connection with its jugular vein, the left one developing into the superior portion of the thoracic duct. The next lymph sac to appear is the unpaired retroperitoneal lymph sac at the root of the mesentery of the intestine. It develops from the primitive vena cava and mesonephric veins. Capillary plexuses and lymphatic vessels spread form the retroperitoneal lymph sac to the abdominal viscera and diaphragm. The sac establishes connections with the cisterna

chyli but loses its connections with neighboring veins. The last of the lymph sacs, the paired posterior lymph sacs, develop from the iliac veins. The posterior lymph sacs produce capillary plexuses and lymphatic vessels of the abdominal wall, pelvic region, and lower limbs. The posterior lymph sacs join the cisterna chyli and lose their connections with adjacent veins. With the exception of the anterior part of the sac from which the cisterna chyli develops, all lymph sacs become invaded by mesenchymal cells and are converted into groups of lymph nodes. The spleen develops from mesenchymal cells between layers of the dorsal mesentery of the stomach. The thymus arises as an outgrowth of the third pharyngeal pouch.

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Lymphatic system Thomas Bartholin and Olaus Rudbeckius, the discoverers of the lymphatic system in humans (David Cantor mentions Gaspare Aselli (1581-1625) as the posthumous discoverer of the lymphatic system. in a 1628 publication). o History of anatomy in the 17th and 18th centuries Lymph Node Lymphedema, a condition of localized fluid retention caused by a compromised lymphatic system Lymphoma, a cancer of the tissues in the lymphatic system American Society of Lymphology Manual lymphatic drainage, a technique claimed to provide health benefits by clearing the lymphatic system.

References External links

Lymphatic System Lymphatic System Overview (innerbody.com)

Immune system / Immunology

Adaptive immune system vs. Innate immune system Humoral Systems immune system vs. Cellular immune system Complement system (Anaphylatoxins) Antibody (Monoclonal antibodies, Polyclonal antibodies, Antibodies and antigens Autoantibody) Allotype Isotype Idiotype Antigen (Superantigen) White blood cells (T cell, B cell, NK cell, Mast cell, Basophil, Immune cells Eosinophil) Phagocyte (Neutrophil, Macrophage, Dendritic

cell) Antigen-presenting cell Reticuloendothelial system Immunity Autoimmunity Allergy Tolerance (Central) Immunity vs. tolerance Immunodeficiency Somatic hypermutation V(D)J recombination Immunoglobulin Immunogenetics class switching MHC / HLA Other Cytokines Inflammation Opsonin

Human organ systems

Cardiovascular system Digestive system Endocrine system Immune system Integumentary system Lymphatic system Muscular system Nervous system Reproductive system Respiratory system Skeletal system Urinary system

Immune system: Lymphatic system (Lymph, Lymphocytes)

Bone marrow - Thymus (Hassall's corpuscles) Hilum - Trabeculae - Red pulp (Cords of Secondary: Spleen (blood) Billroth, Marginal zone) - White pulp (Periarteriolar lymphoid sheaths) Subcapsular sinus - Paracortex Secondary: Lymph nodes (extracellular fluid) Lymph vessels - High endothelial venules Secondary: MALT (mucosa) GALT - Peyer's patches

Primary

Lymphatics of head and neck

Occipital - Mastoid - Parotid (Preauricular) - Buccinator - Submandibular - Submental - Retropharyngeal Cervical (Superficial, Superior deep, Inferior deep) Neck Supraclavicular (Virchow's) - Paratracheal - Jugular trunk Tonsils/Waldeyer's tonsillar ring Palatine - Lingual - Adenoid - Tubal

Head

Lymphatics of upper limbs

Axillary brachial - pectoral axillary - subscapular axillary - central - apical Other supratrochlear - deltopectoral

Lymphatics of torso
Chest
Right lymphatic duct - Thoracic duct (spans diaphragm) Bronchomediastinal trunk (Tracheobronchial, Parasternal) - Intercostal Cisterna chyli - Lumbar trunk - Intestinal trunk

Abdomen lumbar/paraaortic (Retroaortic, Lateral aortic, Preaortic, Inferior mesenteric)

iliac (Common, External, Internal)

Lymphatics of lower limbs

Deep inguinal - Superficial inguinal - Popliteal

This entry is from Wikipedia, the leading user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer)
Donate to Wikimedia

Join the WikiAnswers Q&A community. Post a question or answer questions about "lymphatic system" at WikiAnswers.

Copyrights: Dictionary. The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2007. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. Read more Sci-Tech Encyclopedia. McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology. Copyright 2005 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Read more World of the Body. The Oxford Companion to the Body. Copyright 2001, 2003 by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. Read more Dental Dictionary. Mosby's Dental Dictionary. Copyright 2004 by Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved. Read more Britannica Concise Encyclopedia. Britannica Concise Encyclopedia. 2006 Encyclopdia Britannica, Inc. All rights reserved. Read more Sports Science and Medicine. The Oxford Dictionary of Sports Science & Medicine. Copyright Michael Kent 1998, 2006, 2007. All rights reserved. Read more Columbia Encyclopedia. The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition Copyright 2003, Columbia University Press. Licensed from Columbia University Press. All rights reserved. www.cc.columbia.edu/cu/cup/ Read more Health Dictionary. The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Edited by E.D. Hirsch, Jr., Joseph F. Kett, and James Trefil. Copyright 2002 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved. Read more Wikipedia. This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Lymphatic system". Read more Search for answers directly from your browser with the FREE Answers.com Toolbar! Click here to download now. Get Answers your way! Check out all our free tools and products.

On this page: ADVERTISEMENT

E-mailE-mail

Print

Link

Tackle These

Can central nervous system damage lead to malfunction in the lymphatic system? Describe the relationship that exists between the circulatory system and the ... What is the function of the lymphatic system?

How is the lymphatic system connected with the circulatory system? [unanswered] How is the skeletal system related to the lymphatic system? [unanswered] What is absorbed by the lymphatic system? [unanswered]

More lymphatic system questions >>

Keep Reading
Mentioned In:
lymphatic lymphangiology lymphology lymphopathy

lymphotomy submental lymph nodes supraclavicular lymph nodes submandibular lymph nodes angiology (medicine) lymph (histology) Lymphoma (in medicine) Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (in medicine) lympho (prefix) Parotidectomy: Purpose

| More >More > Related Topics

blood immune system oedema thymus

Special Offers
Lymph Nodes Immune Defense Immunity Drainage Materials Body Sculpting Exercises

Shopping

` Lymphatic System Chart 20"w X 26"h Classic illustrations by Peter Bachin.... Amazon $ 23.29

Barcharts Lymphatic System Laminated Chart, 8.5x11 inches HealthyYouHome.com $ 5.00

Lymphatic Support - We recommend this oil for everyone as a preventative me... Amazon $ 13.95

Enter a keyword ( browse )

lymphatic syst

Choose a category

Matching Categories

Health Aids (24) Nutrition (295) Best Matches

lymphatic system

Home Bloggers & Webmasters Sitemap About Advertise RSS

What's new Blog Help Terms of Use Privacy

Copyright 2008 Answers Corporation. All rights reserved. Policy IP Notices Disclaimer