ANP 1105 Lecture : Chapter 20 The Lymphatic System.doc

• School: University of Ottawa
• Department: Anatomy and Physiology
• Course: ANP 1105
• Professor: Jacqueline Carnegie

Document Summary

The lymphatic system consists of 3 parts: lymphatic vessels, lymph: the fluid contained in lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes: cleanse the lymph as it passes through it. Lymph organs and tissues include the spleen, thymus, tonsils etc. Play an important role in the body"s defence mechanisms. Leaked fluids and plasma proteins that escape from the bloodstream is carried back to the blood to ensure the cardiovascular system has sufficient blood volume to operate properly. Lymphatic vessels (lymphatics) are made up of drainage vessels that collect the interstitial fluid and return it into the blood stream. When interstitial fluid enters the lymphatics, it is called lymph. They function to: return excess tissue fluid to the bloodstream, return leaked proteins to the blood, carry absorbed fat from the intestine to the blood through lacteals. Lymphatic vessels form a one-way system where lymph is transported to the heart. Transport system begins with microscopic, blind-ended lymphatic capillaries. Capillaries weave between tissue cells and blood capillaries.