What Is the Lymphatic System?

The lymphatic system is a collection of organs involved in the production, maturation, and harboring of white blood cells called lymphocytes. It also includes a network of vessels that transport or filter the fluid known as lymph in which lymphocytes circulate.

Besides the tonsils, organs of the lymphatic system include the thymus, the spleen, and hundreds of lymph nodes that are distributed along the lymphatic vessels.

The lymphatic vessels form a transportation network similar in many respects to the blood vessels of the cardiovascular system. However, unlike the cardiovascular system, the lymphatic system is not a closed system. Instead, lymphatic vessels carry lymph in a single direction, always toward the upper chest, where the lymph empties from lymphatic vessels into blood vessels.

Cardiovascular Function of the Lymphatic System

The return of lymph to the bloodstream is one of the major functions of the lymphatic system. When blood travels through capillaries of the cardiovascular system, it is under pressure, which forces some of the components of blood (such as water, oxygen, and nutrients)

through the walls of the capillaries and into the tissue spaces between cells, forming tissue fluid, also called interstitial fluid. Interstitial fluid bathes and nourishes cells and also absorbs their waste products. Much of the water from the interstitial fluid is reabsorbed into the capillary blood by osmosis.

Lymphatic System

• A network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste and other unwanted materials

• Primary function is to transport lymph

• Lymph - fluid containing white blood cells

Composition of Lymph

• WBCs - especially lymphocytes

• Blood plasma

• Fats

• Water

• Glucose

• Protein

Hodgkin's Lymphoma

• Cancer of the immune system

• Symptoms usually include fever, night sweats, and weight loss

• Can cause enlargement of lymph nodes and sometimes these lymph nodes are NOT tender

• More than 90% of patients that have this type of cancer survive more than five years, with treatment

Artificial acquired immunity

• Occurs when you receive a vaccination/immunization

• Occurs when laws/requirements are in place- Example: immunization requirements to attend school, benefit is artificial acquired immunity

Addison's disease

• Affects the adrenal gland, which is located above the kidneys

• Your adrenal gland does not produce enough cortisol, making your blood pressure drop(causes other symptoms too)

• it affects the lymphatic system because it is an autoimmune disorder

• The immune system attacks the adrenal glands, causing it to not make enough cortisol

Crohn's disease

• is also an autoimmune disorder

• immune system attacks the digestive system

• cannot be cured

• can cause abdominal pain, weight loss, anemia(lack of oxygen red blood cells)