The lymphatic system comprises lymph fluid, lymph vessels, lymph nodes, and lymph glands. Lymph fluid transports nutrients and waste, while lymph vessels return excess fluid to the circulatory system, aided by skeletal muscle contractions. Lymph nodes filter harmful substances and produce lymphocytes, and other key structures include the spleen and thymus gland, which are involved in immune response and blood filtration.

1. 2.03 Remember the
structures of the
lymphatic system

2. 2.03 Remember the structures of
the lymphatic system
What are the structures of the
lymphatic system?
2.03 Remember the stuctures of the lymphatic system 2

3. 2.03 Remember the stuctures of the lymphatic system
Structures of the lymphatic system
Lymph fluid
Lymph vessels
Lymph nodes
Lymph glands
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4. 2.03 Remember the stuctures of the lymphatic system
Structures of the lymphatic system
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Lymph – straw-colored fluid that leaves capillary and goes
into tissue spaces.
• Similar to plasma
• Aka interstitial fluid
• Carries the nutrients, oxygen
and hormones to cells
• Carries waste back to capillaries

5. 2.03 Remember the stuctures of the lymphatic system
Structures of the lymphatic system
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Lymph vessels - transport excess lymph fluid
back to circulatory system.
• Located in almost all tissues and organs
• Closely parallel veins
• Since the lymphatic system has no pump,
skeletal muscle contractions moves lymph
through the vessels
• Valves prevent backward flow
• Only move in one directions (from body
towards heart)

6. 2.03 Remember the stuctures of the lymphatic system
Structures of the lymphatic system
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 Lymph vessels
parallel to blood
vessels

7. 2.03 Remember the stuctures of the lymphatic system
Structures of the lymphatic system
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Lymph vessels
• Lacteals
• Specialized lymph vessels in
the small intestines that
absorbs digested fat

8. Structures of the lymphatic system
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Lymph vessels -
• Lymph vessels join together to form larger lymph vessels 
• Large lymph vessels join together to form lymphatics 
• Two main lymphatics:
• Thoracic duct
• Also called the left lymphatic duct
• Receives lymph from the left side of chest, head, arm
and neck, the entire abdominal area and entire lower
body
• Dumps back into left subclavian  SVC
• Right lymphatic duct
• Receives lymph from the right side of the chest, head,
arm and neck
• Dumps back into right subclavian  SVC

9. 2.03 Remember the stuctures of the lymphatic system
Structures of the lymphatic system
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Lymph nodes
• Tiny, oval-shaped structures!
• Range in size from a pinhead to an
almond
• Site of lymphocyte formation and
filter for screening out harmful
substances (ex: bacteria, cancer)
• If substances can’t be destroyed,
node becomes inflamed
Lymph node

10. 2.03 Remember the stuctures of the lymphatic system
Structures of the lymphatic system
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Lymph nodes
• Where are lymph nodes
located?

11. 2.03 Remember the stuctures of the lymphatic system
Structures of the lymphatic system
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Tonsils – masses of lymphatic tissue that
produce lymphocytes and filter bacteria
• 3 pairs
• Palatine tonsils: sides of throat
• Adenoids / Pharyngeal tonsils: upper throat
• Lingual tonsils: back of tongue

12. 2.03 Remember the stuctures of the lymphatic system
Structures of the
lymphatic system
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Say “aahhh”
Why this is helpful?

13. Structures of the lymphatic system
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Spleen
• Sac-like mass of lymphatic tissue
• LARGEST lymphatic structure
• Located in the LUQ – just below diaphragm
• Forms lymphocytes and monocytes
• Filters blood
• Stores large amounts of RBCs – contracts during vigorous
exercise or loss of blood to release RBCs
• Destroys or removes old or fragile RBCs – preserves
hemoglobin

14. 2.03 Remember the stuctures of the lymphatic system
Thymus gland
• Located in the upper, anterior thorax
(chest), above the heart
• Produces T lymphocytes
• Also an endocrine gland because also
secretes hormones
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Structures of the lymphatic system

15. 2.03 Remember the stuctures of the lymphatic system
Structures of the lymphatic system
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16. 2.03 Remember the structures of
the lymphatic system
What are the structures of the
lymphatic system?
2.03 Remember the stuctures of the lymphatic system 16