LYMPHATIC SYSTEM

 Lymphatic system provides immune mechanism , involved in metastasis of cancer cells and also provide route for transporting fat and large protein from intestine to thoracic duct.

It has following components:-

 1. Lymphatic Vessels:-

 • it is one way drainage towards heart , and retrun lymph to bloodstream thrrough thoracic duct(largest lymphatic vessel) or right lymphatic duct.

 • it carry lymphocytes from lymphatic tissue to the bloodstream.

 2. Lymphatic Capillaries:-

 • they are present in most of the tissues , collect lymph fluid , and join to form large collecting vessels that passes to regional lymph nodes.

 • they absorb lymph from tissue and transport it to venous system.

 • they are called lacteals in the villi of small intestine, where they abosrb emulsified fat.

 3. Lymph Nodes:-

 • they are collections of lymphatic tissue.

 • they produce lymphocytes and plasma cells And filter the lymph.

 • they trap bacteria drained from infected area, And they contains phagocytic cells (macrophages) that ingest these bacteria.

 • they are hard , but often palpable when there is metastasis

 • they are enlarged and tender during infection.

 4. Lymph:-

 • it is clear watery fluid collected from intercellular spaces

 • contains no cells until lymphocytes are added in its passage from lymph nodes.

 • it constituents are similar to those blood plasm (e.g., proteins, fats , lymphocytes)

 • contains fat droplets (Chyle) when it comes from intestinal organs.

 • it is filtered while passing through several lymph nodes before entering the venous system.