Lymphatic System Overview - Anatomy & Physiology

()Map\Tab LYMPHORETICULAR & HAEMATOPOIETIC SYSTEM (Map/Tab)

Structure

The lymphatic system can be divided into two anatomical and functional subsets:

• Lymphatic Vessels
  • Vessels that carry lymph around the body
• Lymphoreticular System
  • Consisting of the lymphoid tissues
    • Primary lymphoid tissues:
      • Appendix
      • Bone marrow
      • Bursa of Fabricius
      • Foetal liver
      • Ileal Peyer's patch
      • Thymus
    • Secondary lymphoid tissues:
      • Spleen
      • Lymph nodes
      • Regional lymphoid tissue
      • Tonsils

Functions

The lymphatic system has three functions:

1. Immune defence
2. Removal of interstitial fluid from tissue
3. Transport of fat

Immune defence

This is a broad topic area.

Immune functions are covered broadly under the primary and secondary lymphoid tissues of the lymphoreticular system with further information under the immunology section.

Removal of interstitial fluid

Details can be found here.

Transport of lipids

Chylomicrons transport digested lipids, however these are too large to enter the blood stream directly and thus enter the lymphatic system before being released into the blood stream. Further details can be found here.