NAME: JevyRose Bulawin SECTION: BsPsy 2A

Lymphatic System

1. What are some functions of the Lymphatic System?

protecting our body from illness-causing invaders, maintaining body fluid levels, absorbing
digestive tract fats, and removing cellular waste.

2. List some lymphatic organs and state where they are located in the body.

Parts Location
Lymph All throughout the lymphatic system
Lymph nodes Clusters of lymph nodes are found in the
neck, axilla (underarm), chest, abdomen, and
groin.
Lymphatic vessels are found in all regions of the body except
the bone marrow, central nervous system,
and tissues, such as the epidermis, that lack
blood vessels.
Collecting ducts extend from the connecting segment in the
cortex through the outer and the inner
medulla to the tip of the papilla, and can
arbitrarily be subdivided into three regions
based on their location in the kidney.
Spleen located on the left side under our ribs and
above our stomach.
Thymus This organ is located in the upper chest
beneath the breastbone
Tonsils and adenoid Tonsils are small, round pieces of tissue
located in the back of the mouth on both
sides of the throat. The adenoid is a clump of
tissue located behind the nasal cavity above
the roof of the mouth.
Bone marrow in the center of certain bones, such as the hip
bone and breastbone.
Peyer’s patches in the mucous membrane that lines in the
small intestine.
Appendix is in the lower right side of the abdomen
(belly).
 3. Define the following structures in the Lymphatic system.

a) Lymph – Lymph is the fluid that flows through the lymphatic system, a system composed of lymph
vessels and intervening lymph nodes whose function, like the venous system, is to return fluid from
the tissues to be recirculated.

b) Lymphatic capillaries – Lymphatic capillaries are tiny vessels found in the tissues of most organs in
the body. They transport and filter lymphatic fluid (lymph) from your body's cells and tissues. Lymph
capillaries help to keep consistent blood pressure and volume and prevent fluid buildup.

c) Lymphatic vessels – A thin tube that carries lymph (lymphatic fluid) and white blood cells through
the lymphatic system.

d) Lymph nodes – (limf node) A small bean-shaped structure that is part of the body's immune system.
Lymph nodes filter substances that travel through the lymphatic fluid, and they contain lymphocytes
(white blood cells) that help the body fight infection and disease. There are hundreds of lymph nodes
found throughout the body.

e) Lymph ducts – A lymph duct is a great lymphatic vessel that empties lymph into one of the
subclavian veins. The two lymphatic ducts of the body are the right lymphatic duct and the thoracic
duct.

4. How/where do lymphatic vessels travel in the body?

5. The lymphatic vessels drain into collecting ducts, which empty their contents into the two
subclavian veins, located under the collarbones. These veins join to form the superior vena
cava, the large vein that drains blood from the upper body into the heart.

6. Immune Response Questions

a) How does the immune system work closely within the lymphatic system?
 Our immune system and lymphatic system work together to keep us healthy. While our immune system
actively fights germs that cause infection and disease, our lymphatic system supports our immune
system, transporting immune cells through our bodies, and providing immune cells a place to live.

b) What are some cells found in the Lymphatic system? Provide the function of each.

The lymph nodes and other lymphatic structures like the spleen and thymus hold special white blood
cells called lymphocytes. These can rapidly multiply and release antibodies in response to bacteria,
viruses, and a range of other stimuli from dead or dying cells and abnormally behaving cells such as
cancer cells.

6. Provide the function of the following organs in the lymphatic system:

a) Spleen – The spleen controls the level of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets (small cells
that form blood clots). It screens the blood and removes any old or damaged red blood cells. If the
spleen doesn't work properly, it may start to remove healthy blood cells.

b) Thymus – The thymus is the organ primarily responsible for the production and maturation of
immune cells; including small lymphocytes that protect the body against foreign antigens. The
thymus is the source of cells that will live in the lymphoid tissues and supports their maturation and
proper function.

c) Tonsils – The tonsils are part of the body's immune system. Because of their location at the throat
and palate, they can stop germs entering the body through the mouth or the nose. The tonsils also
contain a lot of white blood cells, which are responsible for killing germs.

i. How many tonsils are there? Identify them.

The lymphatic tissues located in the oropharynx are composed of a circumferential tonsillar ring, known
as the Waldeyer's ring which consists of the 1.) palatine tonsils (faucial tonsils), 2.) adenoid
(nasopharyngeal tonsil), 3.) lingual tonsil, and 4.) tubal tonsils.

d) Appendix – The appendix has been found to play a role in mammalian mucosal immune function. It
is believed to be involved in extrathymically derived T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocyte-mediated
immune responses. It is also said to produce early defences that help prevent serious infections in
humans.
 7. Diagram the circulation of Lymph.

LYMPHATIC CIRCULATION

8. Thought Questions:

a) Does the lymphatic system play a role in digestion? If so, how is it involved?

Yes, our lymphatic system, part of our immune system, has many functions. They include protecting our
body from illness-causing invaders, maintaining body fluid levels, absorbing digestive tract fats and
removing cellular waste.

b) What are the two functions of lymph nodes?

c) While checking yourself out in the mirror one night you notice that your axillary lymph nodes seem
swollen. You become paranoid and immediately turn to Dr. Google to see what the issue can be. You
freak out and immediately schedule an appointment with an oncologist who confirms your greatest
fear. You are diagnosed with cancer (but it is in a super early stage so you will be fine). What type of
cancer has you likely been diagnosed with? Axillary lymph nodes are in the armpits, which are close
to the breasts. Because the axillary lymph nodes are so close, breast cancer usually spreads to them
before other lymph nodes. If cancer has spread to the axillary lymph nodes, a doctor may
recommend removing some or all of the lymph nodes during a mastectomy.

d) If someone has a fever, we immediately turn to medication to get rid of this symptom. While it is true
that having a fever for an extended amount of time is detrimental to our health, how can it be useful
just as it starts?

Fever is an elevated body temperature that occurs when the body's thermostat (located in the
hypothalamus in the brain) resets at a higher temperature, primarily in response to an infection. An
elevated body temperature that is not caused by a resetting of the temperature set point is called
hyperthermia.

A persistent low-grade fever is a sign of an underlying issue, such as a mild infection or chronic
condition. The fever may persist while the person is fighting off the infection.

For the most part, persistent low-grade fevers are not a cause for concern. However, it is important
to monitor the fever to see whether it gets worse.

Anyone who is concerned about their symptoms or experiences a persistent low-grade fever for more
than 10 days should see a doctor.