06.03 LYMPH SYSTEM

Mrs. Jessica Romito

SUMMARY, OBJECTIVES, AND STANDARDS

Review module

• 06.03 Lymph System
• Functions of the lymph system
• Structures of the lymph system

By the end of this class you will

1. Know the structures and functions of the lymph system
2. Successfully complete assessment submission for 06.03 auto-graded quiz

STANDARDS�SC.912.L.14.42: Describe the anatomy and the physiology of the lymph system.

LYMPH SYSTEM

Clears fluids from your body

​

To sustain your body's fluid balance

​

Aids in defense against infections

FUNCTION OF THE LYMPH SYSTEM

The lymphatic system is a vast network of VESSELS running through the body. 

It has a number of functions, including ELIMINATION of water that congests tissues. 

Every day blood circulation releases large amounts of liquid into the body's tissues called LYMPH. This fluid circulates in one direction, toward the center of the body. 

Lymph passes through the lymph vessels to small clusters of organs called the lymph NODES. They contain many of the body's defense cells. 

The defense cells of the lymph nodes eliminate INFECTIOUS AGENTS. 

Once the lymph is cleansed by the nodes, it moves to the CIRCULATORY system via the subclavian veins.

​

LYMPH

When blood circulates through your body, some of the blood plasma leaks through the blood vessel walls and into the surrounding tissues. Most of the plasma moves back into the blood vessels, but some of the yellowish fluid, called lymph, is left behind.

LYMPH VESSELS

FILTERING LYMPH:

• Once the lymph is filtered, muscle contractions move it into larger lymph vessels, called lymphatics.
• These lymph vessels contain valves that prevent lymph from flowing backward.
• The lymphatics converge to lymph trunks that drain back into the blood through the subclavian veins of the circulatory system.
• Blood is eventually filtered by the kidneys, and the waste products are excreted as urine.

LYMPHOCYTES

Lymph contains lymphocytes, which are cells that attack pathogens and cancer cells, and a fluid from the intestines called chyle, which includes proteins and fats.

• “The T and B lymphocytes (T and B Cells) are involved in the acquired or antigen-specific immune response given that they are the only cells in the organism able to recognize and respond specifically to each antigenic epitope. (part of the antigen the antibody attaches to)
• The B Cells have the ability to transform into plasmocytes (white blood cells which make Abs) and are responsible for producing antibodies (Abs).
• Thus, humoral immunity (immunity from substances in the blood) depends on the B Cells while cell immunity depends on the T Cells.” ¹
• “Natural killer (NK) cells are effector lymphocytes of the innate immune system that control several types of tumors and microbial infections by limiting their spread and subsequent tissue damage.” ²

LYMPHATIC ORGANS

Lymphatic organs include

• lymph vessels,
• ducts, and
• small round structures called lymph nodes.

Lymph nodes are gathered in clusters at the neck, armpit, groin, and inside the chest and abdomen.

• They collect lymph from smaller lymph vessels and cleanse it by removing pathogens, cancer cells, or foreign substances from it.
• When lymph nodes encounter an infectious agent, they begin making white blood cells, like lymphocytes, to help fight the infection.

source

LYMPHATIC ORGANS: lymphatic tissues

Tonsils

There are three sets of tonsils in the back of the throat. They help fight infection but are susceptible to becoming infected as well, due to their constant exposure to pathogens.

Thymus�located just under the neck. It's made up of two lobes of lymphoid tissues: the medulla and surrounding cortex. Immature lymphocytes enter the cortex to become T cells and mature in the medulla.

Spleen�located in the upper left side of the abdomen, just under the ribs. It removes old or damaged red blood cells from the blood and releases lymphocytes in reaction to infection.

Peyer’s patches learn more about Peyer’s patches�located in the mucosa and submucosa of the small intestine. They contain mostly B cells, which initiate the humoral immune response against infectious agents.

source

ASSIGNMENT 06.03

Complete the worksheets from module pages 2 and 3 (we did that here together)

​

Study the worksheets

​

Take the auto-graded quiz

​

Earn mastery with your first attempt! ☺

​

Contact Information

Mrs. Jessica Romito

Phone Number: +1 (301) 485-9114

(text/call/WhatsApp)

Email: jromito@laurelsprings.com

Mrs. Romito's iClassroom

​

LSS Live Academic Help Room

Monday–Friday 8 am to 11 pm Eastern Time�5 am to 8 pm Pacific Time

​