The lymphatic system includes a network of vessels that drains fluid from tissues and returns it to the bloodstream. It also contains lymph nodes and organs that produce immune cells. The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in fluid circulation and immune function by transporting lymph, a fluid containing white blood cells, throughout the body. Within lymph nodes, immune cells detect foreign substances and launch attacks against pathogens. Together with the immune cells and molecules it carries, the lymphatic system provides both innate, nonspecific defenses against microbes and adaptive, targeted immune responses.

1. LYMPHATIC
SYSTEM/IMMUNITY
Mariah Rosette S. Handomon
BS Nursing – I (Human Anatomy & Physiology Lecture)

2. Lymphatic System
O Is a vast collection of cells and biochemicals that travel in
lymphatic vessels, and the organs and glands that
produce them. (Hole’s 2012)
O Includes a network of vessels that assist in circulating
body fluids, closely associated with the cardiovascular
system. (Hole’s 2012)
O Plays a crucial role in circulation by draining the fluids that
pour out into the extracellular space during capillary
exchange and returning them to the blood. (Norris &
Seigfried 2011)
O A drainage network through. (Norris & Seigfried 2011)
O It removes toxins, helps transports fats, and stabillizes
blood volume despite environmental stress. (Norris &
Seigfried 2011)

3. Lymphatic System – Second Major Function
O It enables us to live in the world with different types
of organisms, some of which take up residence in
or on the human body and may cause infectious
diseases.
O Cells & Biochemicals of Lymphatic System launch
both generalized and targeted attacks against
“foreign” particles, enabling the body to destroy
infectious micro-organisms and viruses.

4. Immune System
O Consist of variety of components: the Lymphatic
System, a body-wide network of vessels and
organs through which flows an important body
fluid called lymph; a variety of very peculiar cell
types; and several types of biological molecules,
some of them just as peculiar.

5. ANATOMY &
PHYSIOLOGY OF THE
LYMPHATIC SYSTEM

6. Lymphatic PathwaysLymphatic
Capillaries Lymphatic Vessels
O Are microscopic, closed-
ended tubes. They extend
into interstitial spaces,
forming complex networks
that parallel those of blood
capillaries.
O Formed by a single layer of
simple squamous epithelial
cells. Thin walls allows
tissue fluid to enter
lymphatic capillaries.
O Once it is inside the
lymphatic capillaries it is
called lymph.
O The walls of lymphatic
vessels are similar to those
of veins, but thinner. Like
veins, lymphatic vessels
have flap-like valves that
help prevent backflow of
lymph.
O The larger lymphatic vessels
lead to specialized organs
called lymph nodes.
(Moles 2012)

7. Lymphatic Pathways
Lymphatic Trunks &
Collecting Ducts
O Drain lymph from the
lymphatic vessels, are named
for the regions they serve.
O They join one of two
collecting ducts- the thoracic
duct or the right lymphatic
duct.
THORACIC DUCT – larger and
longer collecting duct. It
receives lymph from the lower
limbs and abdominal regions, t
left upper limb, and left side of
the thorax, head and neck and
empties into the left subclavian
vein near the junction of the left
jugular vein.
RIGHT LYMPHATIC DUCT –
receives lymph from the right
side of the head and neck, right
upper limb, and right thorax,
and empties into the right
subclavian vein near the
junction of the right jugular
vein.
O After leaving the two
collecting ducts, lymph
enters the venous system
and becomes part of the
plasma just before blood
returns to the right atrium.
(Moles 2012)

8. Lymphatic
Capillary
Afferent lymphatic
vessel
Lymph node
Efferent lymphatic
vessel
Lymphatic Trunk
Collecting Duct
Subclavian Vein
Lymphatic Pathway
(Moles 2012)

9. Structures of the Lymphatic
System
Lymphatic Vessels
O Are thin tubules that carry
lymph.
O Form a network very similar
to the venous system.
O (Lymph Capillaries,
Lymphatic Vessels,
Lymphatic Ducts)
Lymphatic Ducts
O Largest of the lymphatic
vessels , drain into two
large veins.
O Located on the right side of
your neck near your right
clavicle, drains lymph for the
right arm and right half of the
body above the diaphragm
into the right subclavian vein.
The thoracic duct also called
the left lymphatic duct, which
runs through the middle of
your thorax, drains lymph
from everywhere else into
the left subclavian vein.
(Norris & Seigfried
2011)

10. Structures of the Lymphatic
System
Lymph Nodes
O Are bean-shaped structures located along the lymph
vessels.
O Dense clusters of lymph nodes are found in the mouth,
pharynx, armpit, groin all through the digestive system, all
through the digestive system, and other locations.
O Each lymph node is encapsulated (covered) by a fibrous
connective tissue capsule.
O Nodule – numerous extensions that divide the node
internally into structures. It is filled with meshlike network of
fibers which lymphocytes and macrophages adhere.
O Also provide a safe and nurturing environment for
developing lymphocytes.
(Norris & Seigfried 2011)

11. Structures of the Lymphatic
System
Splendid Spleen
O A solid organ, located to the left of and slightly posterior to
the stomach.
O Roughly oval in shape, normally measuring about 1 by 3 by
5 in (3 by 8 by 13 cm) and weighing about 8 ounces
(23grams).
O Spleen’s structure is similar to the kidney , to the liver and
the lymph nodes. Enveloped by fibrous capsule.
O It has hilus, a spot where several diff. vessels cross the
capsule.
O Divided into functional subunits by outgrowths of the
capsule’s fibrous tissue.
(Norris & Seigfried
2011)

12. Structures of the Lymphatic
System
“T” Cells
O Thymus Gland - overlies the heart and straddles
the trachea, sitting just posterior to the sternum. It
produces thymosin, a hormone that stimulates the
differentiation and maturation of T Cells.
(Norris & Seigfried
2011)

14. Body Defenses against Infection
Innate (Nonspecific)
Defenses
PATHOGEN – presence and
multiplication of disease-
causing agent. Includes viruses,
bacteria, fungi and protozoans.
The human body can prevent
the entry of pathogens or
destroy them if they enter.
Some mechanisms are quite
general and protect against
many types of pathogens,
providing innate (nonspecific)
defense. These mechanisms
include species resistance,
mechanical barriers (enzyme
action, interferon, and
complement), natural killer cells,
inflammation, phagocytosis, and
fever.
Other defense mechanisms are
very precise, targeting specific
pathogens and providing
adaptive (specific) defense, or
immunity.
Specific Resistance – refers to
the fact that a given type of
organism, or species (such as
the human species homo
sapiens) may be resistant to the
diseases that affect other
species because its cells do not
have receptors for the
pathogens or its tissues do not
provide the temperature or
chemical environment that a
particular pathogen requires.
(Mole’s

15. MECHANICAL BARRIERS –
prevents the entrance of
infectious agents. These
barriers provide a first line of
defense. Skin, Mucous
Membranes lines the
passageway of the respiratory,
digestive, urinary, reproductive
systems.
CHEMICAL BARRIERS –
Enzymes in the body fluid.
Lymphocytes and fibroblasts
produce hormonelike peptides
called interferons in response
to viruses or tumor cells.
Complement group of
proteins, in plasma and other
body fluids, that interact in an
expanding series of reactions
or cascade.
NATURAL KILLERS (NK)
CELLS – small population of
lymphocytes different from the
lymphocytes that provide
adaptive (specific) defense
mechanisms. NK cells defend
the body against various
viruses and cancer cells by
secreting called perforins.
INFLAMMATION - tissue
response to injury or infection,
producing localized redness,
swelling, and pain,. The
redness result of blood
vessels dilation that increases
blood flow and volume of the
affected tissues.
pus– a thick fluid formed by
infection.

16. Adaptive (Specific)
Defenses, or Immunity
PHAGOCYTOSIS – removes
foreign particles from the
lymph as it moves from the
interstitial spaces to the
bloodstream.
FEVER – body temperature
elevated above an individuals
normal temperature due to an
elevated set point. It is
defense, it makes the body
inhospitable to certain
pathogens.
IMMUNITY – third line of
defense. Is resistance to
specific pathogens or to their
toxins or metabolic by-
products. Lymphocytes and
Macrophages that recognize
and remember
Specific foreign molecules
carry out adaptive immune
responses.
ANTIGENS – are protiens,
polysaccharides, glycoproteins
or glycolipids, usually located
on cell’s surface. Most effective
in eliciting an immune
response are large and
complex, with few repeating
parts.
LAMPHOCYTE ORIGINS
T Lymphocytes or T Cells-
reside in lymphatic organs and
are particularly abundant on
lymph nodes, thoracic duct,
and white pulp of the spleen.
B Lymphocytes or B Cells-
abundant in lymph nodes, bone
marrow, and intestinal lining.

17. Thank