The Lymphatic System
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- The Lymphatic system is a secondary transport system that plays a vital role in the immune system;. It consists of lymph vessels, lymph nodes, lymph fluid and other associated organs that are involved in transporting lymphocytes and removing foreign matters
- Function:
- It also assists the body in fighting against foreign micro-organisms by supplying lymphocytes.
- The organs and tissues of the lymph system are the main sites of production and multiplication of the lymphocytes t-cells and b-cells.
- Other information:
- Blood and lymph are the main fluids that are responsible for transporting agents of the immune system
- There is no pump for lymph fluid so it relies on muscle contraction for movement through lymph vessels
Function of lymph organs:
- Primary lymphoid organs:
- Bone marrow:
- Jelly-like tissue found in the center of certain bones.
-Is where t-cells and b-cells are made. B-cells mature here where as t-cells leave and mature in the thymus
- All blood cells develop from bone marrow stem cells
- Thymus
- Located behind the sternum in the upper part of the chest, inside the ribcage and consists of two pinkish grey lobes.
- Where t-cells mature and fully develop
- Involved in the differentiation of t-cells
- Lymph nodes
- Small, bean shaped structures composed of lymphatic tissue
- Found in particular locations such as the neck, armpits, neck and knees
- Filter and trap foreign material and are usually where antigens are presented to the cell
- Mucosal associated lymph tissue
- Lymph tissue that secretes mucous which assists by trapping the foreign material so that they can be handled elsewhere and are not harmful to the organism.
- Spleen
- Located just above the stomach
- Its involved in recognising and destroying faulty red blood cells, detecting foreign invaders and producing antibodies