The Lymphatic System

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The Lymphatic System P7 Unit 11 P7: The lymphatic system runs through our bodies and is made up of organs and lymphatic tissues. The types of organs are organs such as the spleen and thymus, the lymphatic tissue like lymphatic capillaries, vessels and nodes. The function of the lymphatic system is the draining of interstitial fluid, the transportation of lipids and the fighting of infections, these components (spleen, thymus, lymphatic capillaries, vessels and nodes) help to achieve the systems function. The lymphatic capillaries are blind end tubes and are larger than blood capillaries, they also have a unique one-way structure that allows interstitial fluids to enter but not exit, and they are very permeable. The Lymphatic capillaries aren’t located everywhere in the body, for example they are not found in our nervous tissue, the brain or spinal cord. It can be found in vascular tissue. They play a role in absorbing interstitial fluid that has built up in the tissue, during this process they also pick up broken cells, bacteria and viruses. There are anchoring filaments that are attached to the capillaries; these extend out from the capillary attaching lymphatic endothelial cell to the surrounding tissue. If there is an accumulation of fluid in an area the swelling will result in causing the anchoring filament to be pulled which then opens the cells of the lymphatic capillaries wider to enable them to absorb the excess fluid more rapidly. Lymphatic capillary: The capillaries form lymphatic vessels, these lymphatic’s are larger than the capillaries and open out into lymphatic nodes. The fluid, lymph, a clear fluid containing electrolytes, proteins and lymphocytes are helped along by skeletal muscle contractions and also by respiratory movements. The lymphatic system has a one way valve to prevent
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