The Lymphatic System

1. Lymph Vessels Antigen Presenting Cell (APC) By: Anthony Bui and Rebecca Guilfoyle Mrs. Darrensbourg Biology – 5 8 May 2009 The Lymphatic System

2. The function of the immune system is to fight infection through the production of cells that inactivate foreign substances or cells. The lymphatic system has three interrelated functions. It is responsible for the removal of interstitial fluid from tissues. It absorbs and transports fatty acids and fats as chyle to the circulatory system. The last function of the lymphatic system is the transport of antigen presenting cells (APCs), such as dendritic cells, to the lymph nodes where an immune response is stimulated. Parts & Functions Lymphatic System Function of the Lymphatic System Parts of the Lymphatic System • White Blood Cells • Thymus Gland • Spleen • Lymph Nodes • Lymph Vessels

3. Elephantitis Elephantiasis’ proper medical name is Lymphatic Filariasis It is characterized by the thickening of the skin and underlying tissues, especially in the legs, male genitals, and female breasts. There are a few types of treatment you can use such as drugs like albendazole, ivermectin, or diethylcarbamazine. Studies have also shown that rigorous cleaning of affected area’s can limit the symptoms of lymphatic filariasis and surgical treatment can be an option. Elephantiasis occurs when adult ringworms, whom only occupy the lymphatic system obstruct lymphatic vessels causing swelling in the lower torso. Elephantiasis is transmissed mainly through mosquitos which inject parasitic worms into your body but can also be transmissed non-parasitically, through contact with irritant soils. Diseases  Lymphatic System AIDS • AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome • This disease infects Helper T Cells, Macrophages and Dendritic Cells. Without these cells the immune system is severely weekend, and the person extremely susceptible to diseases. • There is no current vaccine for AIDS, however scientists are currently testing a variety of highly active antiretroviral therapy. • This makes the most common way of contracting AIDS unprotected sex, sharing needles, and transmission from a mother to a child. • The virus can be spread through blood, semen, pre-ejaculate and or vaginal fluid.

4. Lymphatic System  Circulatory System Every single day about 3 liters of fluid leak out from our circulatory system, now if this went unchecked, everyone would have Edema. But fortunately we have the lymphatic system, which collects and returns fluid (Lymph) to the circulatory system. The circulatory system also depends on the spleen, a part of the lymphatic system to cleanse, remove, and repair blood cells. Lymphatic System  Other System Lymphatic System  Digestive System Lymph vessels do not merely return excess fluid to the circulatory system. They also play a very important role in nutrient absorption. Lymph vessels lie near the cells that line the intestines, where they absorb fats and fat-soluble vitamins from the digestive tract to carry them to the blood.

5. Lymphatic System Diagrams female male

6. Key terms  lymphatic system Leucocytes T - Cells Stem Cells Cells that provide a defense against abnormal cells and pathogens inside living cells cells of the immune system defending the body against both infectious disease and foreign materials characterized by the ability to renew themselves through mitotic cell division and differentiating into a diverse range of specialized cell types Appendix Lymphocytes Although argued to be a totally useless vestigial organ of the human body, the appendix is experimentally verified as being rich in infection-fighting lymphoid cells, making it a part of the lymphatic system Type of white blood cell that produces antibodies that help destroy pathogens

7. Lymphatic System Picture In this picture you can see three very important parts of the lymphatic system. The thymus provides a place for T-Cell Lymphocyte maturation, while the spleen aids the circulatory system in repairing or removing damaged blood cells and platelets. The tonsils are two large masses of lymphoid tissues and are part of the first line of defense to prevent infection. According to the lymph node diagram, lymph flows into the lymph node through the vein, is filtered by cells inside. Then it is released through the arteries right below the clavicle on the shoulder.

8. THE END THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM