19.2: Functions of the Lymphatic System
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Functions of the Lymphatic System
The functions of the lymphatic system are integral to the immune system because structures of the lymphatic system function to produce, develop, house and distribute leukocytes, but the lymphatic system also supports other body systems in a couple of ways. A network of lymphatic vessels provide a one-way route to return excess fluid from tissues back to the bloodstream to maintain blood volume and also distribute leukocytes throughout the body. Along the way, the fluid is filtered for pathogens and debris as it passes through lymph nodes. Lymphatic capillaries serving the small intestine also collect lipid products of digestion that are too large to enter blood capillaries. These lipids are transported to the bloodstream via the lymphatic vessels. Lymph is the watery fluid connective tissue found in lymphatic vessels whose cellular components include primarily lymphocytes along with phagocytic macrophages and other specialized leukocytes. The watery matrix of lymph is similar to the plasma of blood; it contains dissolved nutrients, waste products, and plasma proteins.
Lymphoid tissues and organs are so-called because they contain fluid that resembles lymph, and they support lymphocyte production, development, storage, and functions in a variety of locations in the body. Dense collections of leukocytes suspended in reticular connective tissue that remove debris and fight infection within organs of other body systems constitute lymphoid tissues such as the tonsils and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues (MALT). The lymphatic system also includes distinct organs that support the immune system including the thymus, spleen, and red bone marrow. The vessels, tissues, and organs of the lymphatic system are summarized in Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\) and Table \(\PageIndex{1}\) and will be covered in more detail in subsequent sections of this chapter.
Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): Lymphatic System. Lymphatic vessels, with lymph nodes along their length, as well as the tonsils, thymus, spleen, and red bone marrow are all organs of the lymphatic system. (Image credit: "Lymphatic System" by Terese Winslow, commissioned by NIH National Cancer Institute, is licensed under CC-BY-NC 2.0. )| Structure | Examples | Functions |
|---|---|---|
| Lymphatic Vessels | Lymphatic capillaries, vessels, trunks, and ducts containing lymph |
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| Lymphoid Tissues | Tonsils, Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (MALT) |
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| Lymphoid Organs | Lymph Nodes, Thymus, Red Bone Marrow, Spleen |
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Concept Review
Structures of the lymphatic system support immune system function, but also carry out other specific functions. Lymphatic structures include vessels, tissues, and distinct organs.
Review Questions
Query \(\PageIndex{1}\)
Critical Thinking Questions
Query \(\PageIndex{2}\)
Glossary
Query \(\PageIndex{3}\)
Contributors and Attributions
OpenStax Anatomy & Physiology (CC BY 4.0). Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology