Lymphatic System:-

• Lymph:

• https://youtu.be/cCPyWFK0IKs?si=HBw7I0lDF6kQobll

• Lymph: a clear, watery fluid that surrounds body cells and flows through lymph vessels

• - Originates from blood and filters out of tiny blood vessels into interstitial fluid

• - Interstitial fluid passes into lymph capillaries, becoming lymph, and flows through larger
lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes

• - Eventually empties into the bloodstream

Functions:-

• Functions:

• - Removes waste products and excess fluids from interstitial spaces-

• Transports fats and fat-soluble vitamins from digestive system to bloodstream-

• Plays a key role in immune system function

Immune System:

• - Protects the body against foreign organisms (bacteria, viruses, etc.)

• - Lymphocytes and monocytes produce antibodies, mount chemical attacks, or engage in

phagocytosis to defend the body

• - Lymph nodes, spleen, and thymus gland are key organs involved in immune function

Lymph Capillaries

• - Begin at the spaces around cells throughout the body

• - Thin-walled tubes

• - Carry lymph from tissue spaces to larger lymph vessels

Lymph Vessels:

• 2- Thicker walls than lymph capillaries

• - Contain valves to ensure one-way flow of lymph

• - Similar to veins in structure and function

Lymph Nodes

• : - Collections of stationary lymph tissue located along lymph vessels

 • - Surrounded by a fibrous, connective tissue capsule

- Functions:

- Produce lymph cells (lymphocytes)

• - Filter lymph and trap substances from inflammatory and cancerous lesions

• - Contain macrophages that phagocytose foreign substances

Macrophages

• : - Special cells located in lymph nodes, spleen, liver, lungs, brain, and spinal cord

• - Engulf and digest foreign substances

Lymph Node Function

• : - Become swollen and tender when bacteria are present

• - Fight disease through:

• - B-cell lymphocytes producing antibodies

• - T-cell lymphocytes attacking bacteria and foreign cells by recognizing cell surface proteins
and injecting toxic chemicals

Major Sites of Lymph Node Concentration

• : - Cervical (neck)

• - Axillary (armpit)

• - Mediastinal (chest)

• - Inguinal (groin)

• - Tonsils

Spleen

• : - Located in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen, adjacent to the stomach

- Functions:

• - Destruction of old erythrocytes by macrophages

• - Filtration of microorganisms and other foreign material from the blood

• - Activation of lymphocytes and production of antibodies - Storage of blood, especially

erythrocytes and platelets

. Thymus Gland
 • - Located in the mediastinum, behind the sternum and between the lungs

- Functions: - Maturation and development of T-lymphocytes (T-cells)

• - Production of thymosin, a hormone that stimulates the development of T-cells

• - Involved in the development of the immune system, especially in early life

Immune System

• . : - Body's defense response against foreign organisms

• - Includes lymphoid organs (lymph nodes, spleen, and thymus gland) and their products
(lymphocytes and antibodies) and macrophages -

Immunity

• : body's ability to resist foreign organisms and toxins

• - Natural Immunity: genetic predisposition present at birth, not dependent on specific

immune response or previous contact with infectious agent

• - Acquired Immunity: body develops specific immunity against invading antigens through
various means, such as having a disease and producing antibodies

Types of Immune Cells:

• - Phagocytes (neutrophils, macrophages)

• - Natural Killer (NK) cells

• - Lymphocytes (B-cells, T-cells)

B-cell Lymphocytes:
(Humoral immunity)

• . - Produce antibodies in response to specific antigens

• - Originate from bone marrow stem cells

• - Transform into antibody-producing plasma cells when confronted with a specific antigen

• - Produce immunoglobulins (IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM) that travel to the site of infection to
react with and neutralize antigens

T-cell Lymphocytes

• . : - Involved in cell-mediated immunity

• - Originate from stem cells in the bone marrow and are processed in the thymus gland

• - Multiply rapidly to produce cells that destroy antigens (bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells)
when confronted with an antigen
 • - Produce cytokines (interferons and interleukins) that aid other cells in antigen destruction

• - Include cytotoxic cells (T8 cells), helper cells (T4 cells), and suppressor cells

cytotoxic cells (T8 cells

• Recognize and kill cells infected with viruses, bacteria, or other pathogens-

Helper Cells (T4 cells): \

• - Promote antibody production by B cells and stimulate T cells

Suppressor Cells:

• - Inhibit the activity of B and T cells

Pathology

• 1. Lymphedema: Chronic swelling of limbs due to impaired lymph drainage.

• 2. Lymphadenitis: Inflammation of lymph nodes, often due to infection.

• 3. Lymphoma: Cancer of the lymphatic system, including Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's

lymphoma

• .4. Leukemia: Cancer of blood-forming cells, including lymphoid cells.

• 5. Castleman disease: Enlarged lymph nodes, often due to infection or inflammation.

• 6. Lymphangitis: Inflammation of lymphatic vessels, often due to infection.

• 7. Lymphangiectasia: Abnormal dilation of lymphatic vessels.

• 8. Primary immunodeficiency diseases: Congenital or acquired disorders affecting immune

function

• .9. Autoimmune disorders: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Hashimoto's
thyroiditis.

• 10. Sarcoidosis: Inflammatory disease affecting lymph nodes and other organs.

• 11. Lymphatic filariasis: Parasitic infection causing elephantiasis.

• 12. Kaposi's sarcoma: Cancerous tumor affecting lymphatic vessels.