Lymphatic system
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The lymphatic system is a biological system that produces and transports lymph fluid from tissues to the circulatory system and is a major part of the immune system. The major components of the lymphatic system are lymphatic vessels, lymph, lymph nodes, and some other lymphatic organs.
Lymphatic vessels carry lymph, a colorless liquid, throughout the body. Along lymph vessels are small bean-shaped glandular nodules called lymph nodes.[1]
Other lymphatic organs are:
- Tonsil: clusters of lymphatic tissues just under the mucous membranes that line the nose, mouth, and pharynx.
- Spleen: it is similar to a lymph node in shape and structure but it is much larger.
- Thymus: a soft organ with two lobes that is located anterior to the ascending aorta and posterior to the sternum.
- Peyer patch: lymphoid tissue on the visceral surface of the small intestine.
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Functions
Immune System
- Main Article: Immune System
The organs of your immune system are connected with one another and with other organs of the body by a network of lymphatic vessels.
Lymphocytes can travel throughout the body using the blood vessels. The cells can also travel through a system of lymphatic vessels that closely parallels the body's veins and arteries. Cells and fluids are exchanged between blood and lymphatic vessels, enabling the lymphatic system to monitor the body for invading microbes. The lymphatic vessels carry lymph, a clear fluid that bathes the body's tissues.[1]
Small, bean-shaped lymph nodes sit along the lymphatic vessels, with clusters in the neck, armpits, abdomen, and groin. Each lymph node contains specialized compartments where immune cells congregate and encounter antigens.
Immune cells and foreign particles enter the lymph nodes via incoming lymphatic vessels or the lymph nodes' tiny blood vessels. All lymphocytes exit lymph nodes through outgoing lymphatic vessels. Once in the bloodstream, they are transported to tissues throughout the body. They patrol everywhere for foreign antigens, then gradually drift back into the lymphatic system to begin the cycle all over again.[2]
Tonsils
They are masses of lymphatic tissue in the pharynx. The tonsils, while once considered a vestigial organ, play a major role in the immune system. It is now known today that the tonsils are the first line of defense against foreign pathogens, and tonsillectomies are performed only by necessity because of this.
"Fewer tonsillectomies are performed today than in the past because it is now known that the tonsils remove many of the pathogens that enter the pharynx; therefore, they are a first line of defense against invasion of the body" Inquiry into Life 10th edition, Mader, McGraw Hill, copyright 2003 p293
References
- ↑ Lymphatic System by the National Cancer Institute.
- Immune System by the National Cancer Institute.
See Also
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