Introduction to Lymphatic System

Introduction to Lymphatic System

• Professor: Dr. Mohamed El-Badry Mohamed
• Affiliation: Head of Human Anatomy and Embryology Department, Merit University
• Additional Affiliation: Professor of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University

Objectives of the Lecture

• Define the lymphatic system and its function
• Define lymphoid tissue
• Identify sites that produce lymphocytes
• Define lymphatic vessels and their types
• Identify sites without lymphatic vessels
• Define lymph
• Define lymph capillaries
• Describe lymph node anatomy
• Locate the end of the right lymphatic trunk
• Locate the end of the thoracic duct

Lymphatic System

• Primarily a drainage system
• No circulatory function
• Critical for the body's immune defenses against bacteria and viruses
• Absorbs and transports dietary fat

Lymphatic (Lymphoid) Tissues

• A type of connective tissue
• Contains abundant lymphocytes

Sites that Produce Lymphocytes

• Thymus
• Lymph nodes
• Spleen
• Lymphatic nodules
• Aggregates in digestive tract walls
• Myeloid tissue in red bone marrow

Lymphatic Vessels

• Assist the cardiovascular system by removing tissue fluid from spaces and returning it to the blood
• Present in all body tissues except the central nervous system, eyeballs, internal ear, epidermis of the skin, cartilage, and bone

Lymph

• Tissue fluid once inside lymphatic vessels

Lymph Capillaries

• Fine networks draining lymph from tissues
• Small lymphatic vessels unite to form larger lymph vessels
• Beaded appearance due to numerous valves along their course

Lymph Nodes

• Small masses of lymphatic tissue
• Located along lymphatic vessel courses
• Filter lymph as it passes to the venous system

Afferent Lymph Vessels

• Lymph vessels carrying lymph to lymph nodes

Efferent Lymph Vessels

• Lymph vessels carrying lymph away from lymph nodes

Right Lymphatic Trunk

• Empties into the junction of the right venous angle
• Drains lymph from the body's right upper quadrant

Thoracic Duct

• Drains lymph from the rest of the body
• Empties into the left venous angle (junction of the left internal jugular vein and left subclavian vein)

This quiz covers the fundamental aspects of the lymphatic system, including its functions, key structures, and the role of lymphoid tissues. Students will learn about lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels, and sites that produce lymphocytes. Test your knowledge of the immune defenses and the anatomy involved in the lymphatic system.