FOUNDATION YEAR

2023-2024

មុខវិជ្ជា ៖ កាយវិភាគវិទ្យា (Anatomy)

Session 21: Lymphatic System

ព័នទឹករ
CONTENTS

1 Function of the Lymphatic System

2 Lymphatic vessels and lymphatic circulation

3 Lymphatic tissues

4 Lymphatic organs
Learning outcomes (LOs)
At the end of this session, students will be able to:
• Describe about functions of lymphatic system
• Describe about lymphatic vessels and lymphatic circulation
• Describe about the lymphatic tissues and organs

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 Immunity: the ability to prevent damage or disease through our
defenses.
Two type of Immunity

Innate immunity Adaptive immunity

Defenses that involve specific
Defenses that are present at birth. recognition of a microbe once it has
Example: skin, mucous failed the innate immunity.
Example: T lymphocytes and B
membrane, phagocytes…
lymphocytes

• The body system responsible for adaptive immunity (and some aspects
of innate immunity) is the lymphatic system. 5
 (1)
Lymph (fluid)

The components
of lymphatic
(2) (3)
Lymphatic vessels Lymphoid tissues and
(transport the lymph) organs

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 I. Functions of the Lymphatic System

Three main functions:

Drains excess interstitial fluid from tissue spaces and
01 return it to the blood.
Transports dietary lipid and lipid-soluble vitamins (A, D,
02 E, and K) absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract to the blood.

Carries out immune responses: Lymphatic tissue initiates

specific responses directed against particular microbes or
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abnormal cells.
 II. Lymphatic Vessels and Lymph Circulation

(1) Lymphatic
capillaries

Lymphatic
(3)Lymph trunks vessels (2) Larger
and ducts lymphatic vessels

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 II. Lymphatic Vessels and Lymph Circulation

Lymphatic Capillaries

• Lymphatic vessels begin as lymphatic capillaries.

• Lymphatic capillaries: located in the spaces between cells and
are closed at one end.
• The wall of a lymphatic capillary is made up by epithelial cells.
 Lymphatic Capillaries (Cont.)
Fluid enters lymphatic vessels
Valves prevent backflow,
ensuring that lymph between the overlapping epithelial
moves steadily away cells.
from the tissues and
toward the heart.
Protein filaments anchor
the vessel to surrounding
cells. This lends support to
keep the vessel from
collapsing.
 Lymphatic Capillaries (Cont.)

• When pressure is greater in the interstitial fluid than in lymph,

the endothelial cells separate slightly
=> Interstitial fluid enters the lymphatic capillary.
• When pressure is greater inside the lymphatic capillary, the
endothelial cells adhere more closely
=> Lymph cannot escape back into the interstitial fluid.
Lymphatic capillaries are interlaced with the arterioles and venules of the cardiovascular
system. Collagen fibers anchor a lymphatic capillary in the tissue (inset). Interstitial fluid slips
through spaces between the overlapping endothelial cells that compose the lymphatic capillary.
 Lymphatic Capillaries (Cont.)

● Lacteals: Special lymphatic capillaries in the small intestine.

● Function: Carry dietary fats into the lymphatic system.
● Appearance of Lymph:
○ In the small intestine, lymph with fats looks creamy white
and is called chyle.
○ In other areas, lymph is usually clear and pale-yellow.
 Lymphatic vessels

Tissue fluid (the fluid left behind after capillary exchange) flows into
lymphatic vessels through gaps between the cells. Bacteria, lymphocytes,
and other cells flow in with the fluid.

Lymph nodes

The vessels continue to merge, eventually

forming still larger lymphatic trunks,
which drain major regions of the body.

The lymphatic trunks converge to Lymph Circulation

form two collecting ducts: one
near the right subclavian vein and
one near the left subclavian vein.
The collecting ducts merge into
the subclavian veins, after which
the lymph joins the bloodstream.

Lymph Circulation
 Lymph Trunks and Ducts

Lymph moves through a series of vessels and nodes in the body.

As it travels, small lymphatic vessels join together to form larger
lymph trunks.

This system ensures that lymph is filtered and cleaned as it moves

through the body, eventually returning to the bloodstream.
 Lymph Trunks and Ducts (Cont.)

Five main types of

lymph trunks

Lumbar Bronchomedia Subclavian Jugular Intestinal

Trunks stinal Trunks Trunks Trunks Trunks
 Five main types of lymph trunks and location
1. Lumbar Trunks: Located in the lower back and carry lymph from
the legs and lower abdomen.
2. Intestinal Trunks: These are located near the intestines and carry
lymph from the digestive organs.
3. Bronchomediastinal Trunks: These are located in the chest area and
carry lymph from the lungs and heart.
4. Subclavian Trunks: These are located near the shoulders and carry
lymph from the arms.
5. Jugular Trunks: These are located in the neck and carry lymph from
the head and neck.
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 (6) Junction of the internal jugular and
subclavian veins

(5) Lymphatic trunks or (1) Blood capillaries (blood)

ducts

The sequence
of lymphatic
(4) Lymphatic vessels fluid (2) Interstitial spaces
(lymph) (interstitial fluid)

(3) Lymphatic capillaries

(lymph)
 There are 2 pumps
that maintain the flow
of lymph
(1) Respiratory pump :
- Inhalation => thoracic pressure is lower => Lymph flows
toward the thoracic region
- Exhalation :
* The contraction of smooth muscle in its wall moves lymph
from one segment of the vessel to the next.
* The valves in lymphatic vessels prevent the backflow of
lymph.
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(2) Skeletal muscle pump: muscle contraction compresses
lymphatic vessels and forces lymph toward the junction of
the internal jugular and subclavian veins
 III. Lymphatic tissues
❖ Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues (MALT) are immune
tissues located in mucous membranes throughout the body.
❖ Function: MALT helps protect against pathogens trying to
enter the body.
❖ Largest Collections:
➢ Tonsils: Located in the throat.
➢ Peyer's Patches: Found in the small intestine.
➢ Appendix: Located at the junction of the small and large
Tonsils
- Protective circle at the back of the throat.
- Against pathogens entering the body through the nose or
throat.
- Covered with epithelium that has deep pits called tonsillar
crypts. There are three sets of tonsils:

1. Pharyngeal tonsil

2. Palatine tonsils
3. Lingual tonsils
Appendix

● A small, narrow pouch attached to the lower end of the large

intestine.
● Contains many lymphocytes, which are a type of white
blood cell important for immune function.
● Recent research suggests the appendix may store beneficial
gut bacteria.
● This helps maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the
intestines.
 Peyer’s patches

The appendix
 Peyer’s Patches

❖ Peyer's Patches: Small masses of lymphatic tissue found in the

small intestine.
❖ Located just beneath the intestinal mucosa.
❖ Monitors bacterial populations in the intestine.
❖ Helps prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
❖ Specialized cells alert lymphocytes to trigger an immune
response when harmful bacteria invade.
 III. Lymphatic tissues (Cont.)

Other Locations:

● In the mucosa of the respiratory organs (e.g., lungs).

● In the genitourinary organs (e.g., bladder, reproductive organs).
● Throughout the rest of the digestive tract (e.g., stomach, large
intestine)
 IV. Lymphatic organs

Two groups of Lymphatic organ based on

their functions

Primary lymphatic Secondary lymphatic

organs organs
1. Primary lymphatic organs : the sites where stem cells
divide and become immunocompetent (capable of mounting
an immune response).

Red bone
marrow
Thymus
Bone Marrow
The two types of bone marrow are :
- Yellow bone marrow contains
mesenchymal stem cells which produce
fat, cartilage, and bone.
- Red bone marrow consists of
hematopoietic stem cells to
divide and mature into T and B
lymphocytes.

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Thymus
The thymus is located in the
mediastinum, between the
sternum and the aorta, and it
extends from the top of the
sternum to the fourth costal
cartilages, in front of the
heart.
The thymus is divided into lobules that extend inward from a
fibrous outer capsule. Each lobule consists of a dense outer cortex
and a less dense medulla filled with T lymphocytes.

Immature T lymphocytes travel from red bone

marrow to the outer cortex of the thymus. In the
thymus, the cells are protected from antigens in
the blood, giving them a chance to divide and
mature.

Medulla: The area where mature T cells are

stored and where some T cells die.

The lymphocytes—now considered to be

immunocompetent—are released into the
bloodstream.
2. Secondary lymphatic organs: the sites where most immune
responses occur
- lymph nodes
- spleen
Lymph nodes

• Located along lymphatic vessels are about 600 bean-shaped

lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are 1 - 25 mm long.
• Lymph nodes filter substances that travel through the
lymphatic fluid and contain lymphocytes (white blood cells)
that help the body fight infection and disease.
• Large groups of lymph nodes are present near the mammary
glands and the axillae and groin.
 Lymph nodes
A fibrous capsule

Trabeculae

Cortical nodules

Germinal centers

Sinuses
efferent lymphatic vessel.

Afferent lymphatic vessels

 Spleen
❖ The spleen is the body's largest
lymphatic organ.
❖ Located in the upper left part of the
abdomen, just below the diaphragm.
Protected by the lower ribs.
❖ Similar to lymph nodes, the spleen is
enclosed by a fibrous capsule.
Spleen (Cont.)
The spleen contains two types of tissue:
➢ Red Pulp: Involved in filtering blood and removing old
or damaged red blood cells.
➢ White Pulp: Contains immune cells that help fight
infections.
White pulp, which contains compact masses of lymphocytes, surrounds the
arteries leading into each compartment

Red pulp consists of a network of erythrocyte-filled sinuses supported

by a framework of reticular fibers and phagocytic cells. Blood collects in
the venous sinuses after passing through the reticular fibers; it then
returns to the heart through the veins.
Diagram Labeling Activity
Identify and label parts of the lymphatic system.
● Materials: Handouts of the lymphatic system,
markers.
● Activity:
○ Provide students with handouts featuring
diagrams of the lymphatic system.
○ Ask students to label each part and write a
brief description of its function.
○ Review the correct labels and descriptions
together as a class.
References
Elaine Nicpon Marieb, & Keller, S. M. (2022). Essentials of human
anatomy & physiology (13th ed.). Pearson.
Tortora, G. J., & Derrickson, B. (2021). Principles of anatomy and
physiology (16th ed.). Wiley.
LaPres, J. H., Gunstream, S. E., Benson, H. J., Talaro, A., & Talaro, K. P.
(2021). Gunstream’s Anatomy & Physiology Laboratory Textbook
Essentials Version. McGraw-Hill Education.
Gale Sloan Thompson. (2020). Understanding Anatomy & Physiology,
A Visual, Auditory, Interactive Approach. F.A. Davis.
FOUNDATION YEAR 45
2023-2024
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FOUNDATION YEAR 2023-2024 46