3.02 Lymphatic Structure

Lymphatic Structures of Immunity

These two images (Images 6 and 7) show the major structures of the immune/lymphatic system. Take time to look at the images as you read the role of each of the major structures in the list.

image 6

image 7

1. Lymph – the name of the interstitial fluid once it has entered the lymphatic system.


2. Lymph Vessels – capillaries where lymph travels.


3. Lymph Nodes – small, bean-shaped organ located throughout the lymphatic system that filters lymph as it travels through the lymph vessels, and contains WBC’s to fight invaders. See Image 7a illustrating how lymph vessels are connected and lymph runs through the lymph nodes to be filtered. There are about 600 of these all over your body, and they become swollen and palpable able to be felt in the axilla, neck, and groin areas when you are sick and they are filtering pathogens.


4. Thymus Gland – structure behind the sternum that matures T cell lymphocytes after they travel from the bone marrow.


5. Bone Marrow – site of blood cell formation.


6. Spleen – organ that contains macrophages and lymphocytes to digest bacteria and cellular debris.


7. Tonsils - small masses of lymphoid tissue found at the back of the pharynx. (see Image 7b to view the palatine tonsils on each side of the back of the pharynx noted with the arrows.)

Image 7a

Image 7b

Check your understanding:

-What palpable changes, if any, would you expect if a pathogen is being carried through your lymph vessels? Answer

-Which of the structures carries lymph through the body? Answer

 

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Circulation of Lymph

Review the Circulation of Lymph below.

Circulation of Lymph fullscreen version | Circulation of Lymph text version

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