Zusammenfassung der Ressource
The Lymphatic System
- second circulatory system
- Consists of a colourless fluid called lymph
- Lymph is a clear liquid that is collected from
around cells and is transported by the
lymphatic system back to the bloodstream
- The excess fluid surrounding cells which is collected,
is called interstitual fluid (extracellular fluid)
- Is formed by plasma leaking from the capillaries
- Plasma leaks due to the blood pressure in capillaries
- Lymph nodes are small spherical-shaped organs of
the lymphatic system that contain many white blood
cells
- Within are collections of specialised white blood cells
that filter any harmful particles out, such as bacteria
and viruses
- Lymph vessels are narrow, dead-ending tubes that
transport lymph and are present in every tissue and
organ throughout the body
- All lymph vessels join together and carry lymph back to the
bloodstream at the subclavian veins
- Functions of the lymphatic system
- To collect tissue fluid and return it to the
bloodstream (if it fails to do this properly,
swelling occurs)
- To absorb and transport fatty acids and
gylcerol (each villus contains a lacteal
that is full of lymph
- To fight infections. White blood cells
recognise foreign invaders and react by
producing antibodies
- It's responsible for
maturing and storing of
lymphocytes