Download Lymphatic System

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Lymphatic Vessels
- Lymph: A clear to yellowish watery fluid that circulates through body
tissues filtering out fats, bacteria, and other unwanted materials.
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Due to the pumping of the heart, some fluids are forced
out of the capillaries.
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85% is reabsorbed into the lymphatic capillaries
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The 15% left is then absorbed by the lymphatic vessels
which is then carried to the cardiovascular system.
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Leaks fluid along with oxygen and nutrients through
the thin walls as a result of the pumping of the heart.
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The valves inside the lymph capillaries act similar to
veins and keep the flow of lymph towards the heart.
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Muscular contraction and breathing also help
lymph flow towards the heart.
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Lymphedema is a collection of “fluid” that causes swelling (edema)
in the arms and legs.
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Can be inherited by an autosomal dominant trait.
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Can also be obtained by a disruption in the lymphatic vessel.
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The 15% left over fluid that cannot be absorbed by the lymphatic
vessel builds up over time.
Most common treatments are:
Range of Motion Exercises
 Compression (bandages or sleeves)
 Manual Lymph Drainage
 Surgery for excess tissue (not a cure)
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The lymphatic system services the immune system by destroying
pathogens and filtering out waste allowing the lymph to be safely
returned to the circulatory system.
The lymphatic system also aids circulatory system to deliver
hormones, oxygen, and nutrients from the blood to the cells that
make up the tissues of the body.
Lymph is a colorless fluid containing white blood cells, which bathes
the tissues and drains through the lymphatic system into the
bloodstream.
The lymphatic system selects, collects, and recycles fluids that are
leaked from the cardiovascular system and prevents/fights
infections.
The Lymphatic system is made up of lymphatic vessels, lymphatic
capillaries, lymph nodes, and lymph tissue such as: tonsils, thymus,
spleen, and bone marrow (inside the bone)
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Breathing, stretching, and the bending of the joints can increase
the productivity of the lymphatic system
The lymphatic system helps maintain fluid balance, homeostasis, in
the body by collecting excess fluid and depositing them in the
bloodstream
Lymphatic Vessels are ran parallel to blood veins, carrying lymph
fluids that contain oxygen, minerals, and protein
Lymphatic Capillaries take in interstitial fluid or tissue fluid, lymph
and nutrients that “float” around cells, sending them back into the
blood stream or back to the heart
Lymph Nodes filter germs, viruses, bacteria, and anything foreign
from lymph. Lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, destroys
these germs, viruses, and bacteria.
Johnson, George B., and Peter H. Raven. Holt Biology. Orlando,
Florid: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 2007. Print.
 N., Piller, and O’Conner M.O. "THE LYMPHOEDEMA HANDBOOK
Causes, Effects and Management." Web. 30 Apr. 2012.
<http://www.hospicecare.com/Bookstore/Reviews/br38.htm>.
 Rockson, S.G. "The Lymphatic Research Foundation." Web. 30 Apr.
2012.
<http://www.lymphaticresearch.org/main.php?content=continuum
>.
 "Understanding the Lymphatic System." Lymph Notes: Lymphedema
Information, Books, and Support. Web. 30 Apr. 2012.
<http://www.lymphnotes.com/article.php/id/151/>.
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