Lymph Vessels and Nodes of Lung

Lymphatic System (in brief ):

Major structures

lymph vessels

lymph nodes

lymph fluid

tonsils

Also:

spleen

thymus

Functions of the Lymph System

• lymph/o
• drain fluid from tissue spaces and return to it to the blood
• transport materials (nutrients, hormones and oxygen) to body cells
• carry away waste products to the blood
• transport lipids away from digestive system
• control of infection
• Lymph originates in blood plasma
• Interstitial fluid
• cleans and nourishes body tissues
• collects cellular debris, bacteria
• return to blood or lymph capillaries

Lymph Nodes

• located in lymph vessels
• small round or oval structures (filters)
• depositories for cellular debris
• bacteria and debris phagocytized
• inside are masses of tissue which contain WBCs (lymphocytes)
• almost always grouped 2 or 3 to 100
• invading cells destroyed in nodes and often swell as an indicator of the disease process

Spleen

sac-like mass of lymphatic tissue

filter for lymph

phagocytic cells

hemolytic

Thymus

lymphatic tissue

mediastinum

primary role: changes lymphocytes to T cells for cellular immunity