The lymphatic system is an accessory drainage system to the venous system that transports lymph and filters antigens from tissues. It consists of lymph capillaries that branch throughout the body and drain into lymphatic vessels containing valves. These vessels converge into lymph trunks and ducts that return lymph to the bloodstream. Lymphatic organs include lymph nodes, the thymus, spleen, and bone marrow. The lymphatic system functions to filter antigens, facilitate immune response, and drain interstitial fluid.

1. Lymphatic system
DR . PRITESH MENARIA

2. Lymph
What is lymph ?
Tissue fluid (interstitial fluid) that enters the
lymphatic vessels

3. Formation and transport of tissue fluid

4. Essentially a drainage
system accessory to
venous system
larger particles that escape into
tissue fluid can only be removed
via lymphatic system
Lymphatic system

5. Functions
Network that filters antigens from the interstitial fluid
Primary site of immune response from tissue antigens
Lymphatic drainage in all organs of the body except brain, eyes, marrow and
cartilage
Flaccid thin walled channels  progressive caliber
600 lymph nodes in body
Slow flow, low pressure system returns interstitial fluid to the blood system

6. Components of lymphatics
 Lymph
 Lymphatic Vessels
 Lymphatic Organs
 Lymphatic cells

7. Secondary lymphoid tissue

8. Lymphatic Capillaries
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Features of structure:
Blind end
Single layer of overlapping endothelial
cells
More permeable than that of blood
capillary
Absent from avascular structures, brain,
spinal cord splenic pulp and bone
marrow

9. Lymphatic Vessels
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Three layered wall but thinner
than vein
More numerous valves than
in vein
Interposed by lymph nodes at
intervals
Arranged in superficial and
deep sets

10. Lymph Trunks
 Right and left jugular trunks
 Right and left subclavian trunks
 Right and left bronchomediastinal trunks
 Right and left lumbar trunks
 Intestinal trunk

11. Lymphatic Ducts
Thoracic duct
Right lymphatic duct

12. Lymphatic Cells
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Also called lymphoid cells
Located in both the lymphatic system and the cardiovascular
system.
Work together to elicit an immune response.
Types of lymphatic cells are:
Macrophages
Epithelial cells
Dendritic cells
Lymphocytes

13. Lymphatic Organs
Primary organs
Red bone marrow
Thymus gland
Secondary organs
Lymph nodes
Lymph nodules
Spleen

14. Lymph nodes
Capsular shell
Fibroblasts and reticulin
fibers
Macrophages
Dendritic cells
T cells
B cells

15. Head & Neck Nodes

16. Axillary Nodes

17. Inguinal Lymph nodes

18. APPLIED ANATOMY

19. Lymphangitis
Inflammation of the lymph vessels
Commonest cause bacteria called streptococcus
pyogenes(most common).
Lymph vessels appear as red streaks through the
skin

22. Filariasis

23. Lymphedema
Occurs due to accumulation of
lymphatic fluid in the interstitial
tissue
Sometimes can be appreciated
after wearing tight clothing or
jewellary on affected limb

24. Lymphadenopathy
Means a disease of the
lymph nodes
Lymph nodes become
swollen/ enlarged and
may be painful to touch

25. Lymphomas
Cancers originating either
from the lymphocytes in the
lymph nodes or the
lymphatic tissue in organs

26. Tonsillitis
Infection of the pharyngeal
tonsils
Tonsils are swollen,
Fever and pain during
swallowing usually present