Structure and function of lymphatic system

When it comes to providing defense against alien organisms, the lymphatic system and the immune system are closely related. It is strongly related to the circulatory system and communicates with it. Fluid is transported from the extracellular spaces to the blood circulatory system through the lymphatic vessels, which function as a conducting system. Lymph, lymphatic vessels that carry the lymph, and lymphatic tissue make up the lymphatic system. Lymph is the substance that fills the lymphatic capillaries and vessels. Before returning to the blood, lymph, a clear, watery fluid with a structure similar to plasma, travels through vessels of varying sizes and lymph node counts.

The blood capillaries are constantly filtering some plasma through them. It serves as a medium for the exchange of nutrients and wastes between blood and tissue cells and remains in the tissues as interstitial or tissue fluid. At capillary venous ends, the fluid is likewise being reabsorbed into blood. Capillaries do not, however, completely reabsorb the fluid. Each day, 25 to 50% of the plasma protein and 2 to 4 liters of water are exposed in the interstitial spaces. Through lymphatic vessels, the extra interstitial fluid is returned to the bloodstream.

Functions of the Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system performs the following three primary tasks:

• Maintains fluid volume: Body fluid continuously permeates into tissue spaces from blood capillaries. The lymphatic capillaries reabsorb about 85% of the filtered fluid.
• Immunity: The body's non-specific and specific defense mechanisms are activated by the lymphatic system to protect against pathogens and cancer cells.
• Lipid absorption: Dietary lipids that are not absorbed by the blood capillaries are taken up by the lymphatic vessels (lacteals) in the small intestine.

Fluid is continuously filtered out by blood capillaries and then reabsorbs, although not completely. Every day, extra amounts of 25 to 50% of plasma protein and 2 to 4 liters of water enter the interstitial region. The heart's pressure or osmotic pressure at the cellular level pushes extra fluid out via the capillary wall. The lymph node receives the interstitial fluid as it builds up and delivers it to the venous system.

Other features include:

• Where blood supply is impossible, it gives those organs nutrition and oxygen.
• By using phagocytosis, the lymph node filters the lymph and kills the bacteria.
• It purges the intercellular fluid of waste materials.

Structure of the Lymphatic System

Included in the lymphatic system are:

• Lymph tubes and capillaries
• The thoracic duct
• Duct of the right lymph node
• Lymphatic organs and tissue
• Lymph glands
• Other lymphatic system auxiliary organs:
• Thymus spleen
• Adenoids, Tonsil, and Spleen