Lymphatic system
Basic functions
Drainage of excess fluid from tissues
Absorption of fats from small
intestine
Protection from foreign invaders
Movement of lymph throughout the body
Removal of impurities by filtration
and phagocytosis
Processing of lymphocytes of immune
system
Structures
Capillaries - made of endothelium,
(simple squamous epithelium)
Lymphatic vessels -
superficial and deep
Right lymphatic duct - drains upper
right part of body and empties into right subclavian vein
Thoracic duct - drains remainder of body and empties into left subclavian vein
Lymph nodes - filtration of lymph
Other structures and specialised
functions
1.
Nodes - filtration of lymph
2.
Tonsils - filtration of
tissue fluid
3.
Thymus
a.
Processing of T-lymphocytes
b.
Secretion of thymosin
c.
Hormonal stimulation of T- lymphocytes in other lymphoid tissue
4.
Spleen
a.
Filtration of blood
b.
Destruction of old red cells
c.
Production of red cells before birth
d.
Storage of blood