The Lymphatic System.docx

The Lymphatic System Structure of The Lymphatic System (7) - Lymphatic capillaries: Narrow, blind-ending tubes that collect excess tissue fluid from around cells and return it to the blood - Lymph nodes: Concentrated in the neck, groin, and armpit. Contain phagocytic white blood cells which filter...

The Lymphatic System Structure of The Lymphatic System (7) - Lymphatic capillaries: Narrow, blind-ending tubes that collect excess tissue fluid from around cells and return it to the blood - Lymph nodes: Concentrated in the neck, groin, and armpit. Contain phagocytic white blood cells which filter foreign particles, cancer, and bacteria from the lymph. They produce and store B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes which detect antigens such as viruses and produce antibodies against them - Lymph vessels: Capillaries drain the lymph into larger tubes called lymph vessels. The lymph moves along vessels very slowly. The lymph reaches the thoracic duct where it enters the bloodstream through the left subclavian vein - Spleen: Destroys defective red blood cells and recognises antigens to help prevent disease - Thymus: Responsible for the development and training of T-cells Functions of The Lymphatic System Transport - To absorb and transport fatty acids and glycerol via lacteals from the small intestine to skin or other organs for storage - Tissue fluid and plasma proteins that have leaked from capillaries are returned into the blood in the subclavian veins Defence - Phagocytic white blood cells in the lymph nodes filter the lymph, removing pathogens, cell debris and cancer cells - Lymph nodes produce and export B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes