LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
The lymphatic system is a system of vessels and resevoirs known as lymph nodes which are vital in the defence of the human body against pathogens. This series of vessels and lymph nodes are detached from the circulatory system but sill interact with it by providing certain fluids and proteins to the blood.
The fluid inside the lymphatic system is known as lymph. Lymph is composed of fluids and proteins that enter the lymphatic system via small lymph capillaries. Lymph capillaries merge to form larger lymph vessels which move lymph back towards the heart. To prevent backflow of lymph, lymphatic vessels contain valves. The direction of flow of lymph can be influenced by the movement of surrounding muscles. The sections/junctions found along the length of the lymph vessels are known as lymph nodes. Lymph nodes filter the lymph passing through the lymph vessels by passing it through fibres which trap pathogens. Lymph nodes containing a high concentration of leucocytes (white blood cells) such as phagocytes and macrophages to fight infection and pathogens rapidly, resulting in the swelling of lymph nodes during an infection. Macrophages engulf the pathogens which may then be destroyed by T cells or B cells.
The lymphatic system is a system of vessels and resevoirs known as lymph nodes which are vital in the defence of the human body against pathogens. This series of vessels and lymph nodes are detached from the circulatory system but sill interact with it by providing certain fluids and proteins to the blood.
The fluid inside the lymphatic system is known as lymph. Lymph is composed of fluids and proteins that enter the lymphatic system via small lymph capillaries. Lymph capillaries merge to form larger lymph vessels which move lymph back towards the heart. To prevent backflow of lymph, lymphatic vessels contain valves. The direction of flow of lymph can be influenced by the movement of surrounding muscles. The sections/junctions found along the length of the lymph vessels are known as lymph nodes. Lymph nodes filter the lymph passing through the lymph vessels by passing it through fibres which trap pathogens. Lymph nodes containing a high concentration of leucocytes (white blood cells) such as phagocytes and macrophages to fight infection and pathogens rapidly, resulting in the swelling of lymph nodes during an infection. Macrophages engulf the pathogens which may then be destroyed by T cells or B cells.
Organs associated with the lymphatic system include the tonsils, thymus gland and spleen.
Tonsils are located at the back of the throat, containing many lymph nodules that protect against pathogens by producing large quantities of antibodies and lymphocytes.
The thymus gland is an organ found near the heart which helps produce T cells to attack pathogens by signalling nearby cells or secreting chemicals such as perforin which perforate the plasma membrane of the pathogen.
The spleen is a large mass of lymphatic tissue that stores and releases blood and produces B cells and engulfs pathogens via phagocytosis.
The lymphatic system may not function at complete efficiency which results in a build up of fluids causing swellings. Infections may occur to form blockages and cancers.
Tonsils are located at the back of the throat, containing many lymph nodules that protect against pathogens by producing large quantities of antibodies and lymphocytes.
The thymus gland is an organ found near the heart which helps produce T cells to attack pathogens by signalling nearby cells or secreting chemicals such as perforin which perforate the plasma membrane of the pathogen.
The spleen is a large mass of lymphatic tissue that stores and releases blood and produces B cells and engulfs pathogens via phagocytosis.
The lymphatic system may not function at complete efficiency which results in a build up of fluids causing swellings. Infections may occur to form blockages and cancers.