Lymphatic

System
 Contents of This Topic
In this lesson, we will be learn and explore the following:

✓ What is Lymphatic System?

✓ Functions of lymphatic system

✓ What are the parts of the lymphatic system?

✓ What conditions affect the lymphatic system, symptoms and its other disorders?

✓ How can I keep my lymphatic system healthy

✓ When should I call my doctor about an issue with my lymphatic system?

Introduction
The lymphatic system is a network of
tissues, vessels and organs that work
together to move a colorless, watery fluid
called lymph back into your circulatory
system (your bloodstream).
About the Lymphatic
System

Some 20 liters of plasma flow through your body’s arteries

and smaller arteriole blood vessels and capillaries every
day. After delivering nutrients to the body’s cells and
tissues and receiving their waste products, about 17 liters
are returned to the circulation by way of veins. The
remaining three liters seep through the capillaries and into
your body’s tissues. The lymphatic system collects this
excess fluid, now called lymph, from tissues in your body
and moves it along until it's ultimately returned to your
bloodstream.
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 Your Lymphatic System has many functions. Its key functions include:

Maintains fluid levels in your Absorbs fats from the Protects your body against
body digestive tract foreign invaders

As just described, the lymphatic system Lymph includes fluids from your Lymph includes fluids from your
collects excess fluid that drains from
cells and tissue throughout your body
intestines that contain fats and intestines that contain fats and
and returns it to your bloodstream, proteins and transports it back to proteins and transports it back to
which is then recirculated through your your bloodstream. your bloodstream.
body.
Your Lymphatic System has many functions. Its key functions include:

Transports and removes waste products

and abnormal cells from the lymph
 Parts of Lymphatic System

Lymph
Lymph, also called lymphatic fluid, is
a collection of the extra fluid that
drains from cells and tissues (that is
not reabsorbed into the capillaries)
plus other substances. The other
substances include proteins, minerals,
fats, nutrients, damaged cells, cancer
cells and foreign invaders (bacteria,
viruses, etc). Lymph also transports
infection-fighting white blood cells
(lymphocytes).
 Parts of Lymphatic System
Lymph Nodes

Lymph nodes are bean-shaped

You have about 600 lymph nodes
glands that monitor and cleanse the
scattered throughout your body. Some
lymph as it filters through them. The
exist as a single node; others are
nodes filter out the damaged cells closely connected groups called chains.
and cancer cells. These lymph nodes A few of the more familiar locations of
also produce and store lymphocytes lymph nodes are in your armpit, groin
and other immune system cells that and neck. Lymph nodes are connected
attack and destroy bacteria and to others by the lymphatic vessels.
other harmful substances in the
fluid.
 Parts of Lymphatic System
Lymphatic vessels

Lymphatic vessels are the Lymphatic vessels collect and filter

network of capillaries (micro lymph (at the nodes) as it continues
vessels) and a large network of to move toward larger vessels called
tubes located throughout your collecting ducts. These vessels
body that transport lymph away operate very much like your veins
from tissues. do: They work under very low
pressure, have a series of valves in
them to keep the fluid moving in
one direction.
 Parts of Lymphatic System
Collecting ducts
Lymphatic vessels empty the lymph
into the right lymphatic duct and left
lymphatic duct (also called the
thoracic duct). These ducts connect to
the subclavian vein, which returns
lymph to your bloodstream.

The subclavian vein runs below your

collarbone. Returning lymph to the
bloodstream helps to maintain normal
blood volume and pressure. It also
prevents the excess build up of fluid
around the tissues (called edema).
 Parts of Lymphatic System

Spleen
This largest lymphatic organ is
located on your left side under your
ribs and above your stomach. The
spleen filters and stores blood and
produces white blood cells that
fight infection or disease.
Parts of Lymphatic System
Thymus

This organ is located in the upper

chest beneath the breast bone. It
matures a specific type of white
blood cell that fights off foreign
organisms.
 Parts of Lymphatic System
Tonsils and adenoid

These lymphoid organs trap

pathogens from the food you eat
and the air you breathe. They are
your body’s first line of defense
against foreign invaders.
 Parts of Lymphatic System

Bone marrow
This is the soft, spongy tissue in the
center of certain bones, such as the
hip bone and breastbone. White
blood cells, red blood cells, and
platelets are made in the bone
marrow.
 Parts of Lymphatic System

Peyer’s patches
These are small masses of
lymphatic tissue found
throughout the ileum region of
the small intestine. Also known
as aggregated lymphoid
nodules, they form an
important part of the immune
system by monitoring intestinal
bacteria populations and
preventing the growth of
pathogenic bacteria in the
intestines.
 Parts of Lymphatic System

Appendix
The appendix is a narrow, finger-
shaped pouch that projects out
from the colon.

Your appendix contains lymphoid

tissue that can destroy bacteria
before it breaches the intestine
wall during absorption. Scientists
also believe the appendix plays a
role in housing “good bacteria”
and repopulating our gut with
good bacteria after an infection
has cleared.
What conditions affect the
Lymphatic System?
Many conditions can affect
the vessels, glands, and
organs that make up the
lymphatic system.

Some happen during

development before birth or
during childhood. Others
develop as a result of disease
or injury. Some common and
less common diseases and
disorders of the lymphatic
system include:
 02
Common Diseases and Disorders
 Enlarge (swollen) lymph nodes
(Lymphadenopathy)

Swelling or accumulation of fluid

(Lymphedema)

Cancers of the Lymphathic system

Enlarge (swollen)
Lymph nodes
(Lymphadenopathy)

Enlarged lymph nodes are caused

by: Infection, inflammation or
cancer. Common infections that
can cause enlarged lymph nodes
include strep throat,
mononucleosis, HIV infection and
infected skin wounds.
Lymphadenitis refers to
lymphadenopathy that is caused by
an infection or inflammatory
condition.
 Swelling or
accumulation of fluid
(Lymphedema)

Lymphedema is swelling due to build-up

of lymph fluid in the body. Lymph nodes
act like a drain in your sink. If the drain is
clogged, the fluid cannot drain. It usually
happens in the arms or legs, but can
occur in other parts of the body.
Lymphedema is also often seen when
lymph nodes are removed from those
General symptoms of lymphedema include:
who've had surgery or radiation to
remove cancer. People with • The progressive swelling of an arm, leg or other part of your
body
lymphedema are at risk for serious and • A sensation of heaviness, aching or discomfort in the affected
potentially life-threatening deep skin limb
infections. • Restricted movement or range of motion
• Clothing or jewelry feeling tighter or no longer fitting where •
swelling has occurred
• Skin feeling tight and tingling, burning or itching
• Skin appearing thicker or leathery (known as fibrosis)
• Recurring infections in the same area of the body
Cancers of the
Lymphathic system

Lymphoma is cancer of the lymph

nodes and occurs when lymphocytes
grow and multiply uncontrollably.

There are several different types of

lymphoma, including Hodgkin’s
lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s
lymphoma. Cancerous tumors can also
block lymphatic ducts or be near lymph Signs and symptoms of lymphoma may include:
nodes and interfere with the flow of • Painless swelling of lymph nodes in your neck,
lymph through the node. armpits or groin
• Persistent fatigue
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Shortness of breath
• Unexplained weight loss
• Itchy skin
 Other Disorders

Lymphangitis
Infectious lymphangitis
occurs when bacteria or
viruses enter the lymphatic
channels. They may enter
through a cut or wound, or
they may grow from an
existing infection.

Lymphangitis may occur if you

already have a skin infection
and it’s getting worse. This
might mean that bacteria will
soon enter your bloodstream.
Complications such as sepsis, a
life-threatening condition of
body-wide inflammation, can
occur as a result.
 Other Disorders
Intestinal
Lymphangiectasia
This disorder is the result of
improperly formed intestinal
lymph vessels or blockage of
lymph flow from the intestines.
Diarrhea and swelling of the legs
are the main symptoms. The
diagnosis is based on the results
of a biopsy.

Symptoms of lymphangioma are unique to each person

Lymphangiomas are
noncancerous fluid-filled cysts
diagnosed with the condition and vary based on the size (depth)
that form in children, often on and location of the cyst including:
the head and neck. These cysts Cystic hygroma (cystic lymphangioma): A red to blue swollen,
form when lymph fluid backs up fluid-filled mass often found on the neck, groin or armpit.
and doesn't flow normally Cavernous lymphangioma: A red to blue swollen, rubbery mass
through tissues. Most
lymphangiomas don't need
often found on the tongue but can form anywhere on the body.
treatment, but your provider can Lymphangioma circumscriptum: A small group of clear to pink to
removelymphangiomas red to brown or black pimple-sized, fluid-filled blisters found on
surgically if needed. the mouth, shoulders, neck, arms and legs.
 Other Disorders Lymphocytosis can also Lymphangiomatosis
be caused due to is a disease in which many tumors
excessive smoking, (lymphangiomas) or cysts grow in the
Lymphocytosis lymph system of the body. Although these
medical emergency due
tumors are not cancerous, they invade the
This is a condition in which there to stress, autoimmune body tissues and cause pain, difficulty
is a higher-than-normal amount of diseases and allergies to breathing, and a variety of other symptoms
lymphocytes in the body. medications. depending on where they occur..
This isn't preventable. You
can reduce your risk by taking
steps to keep from getting
Lymphangiomas are benign malformations of the
lymphatic system. Can be treated by: Surgery. Laser
sick:
therapy. Sclerotherapy.
1Avoid physical contact with
people who have a
contagious bug.
2 Don’t share personal items
with people who are sick.
3 Wash your hands frequently
and thoroughly with soap and
water.
4 Disinfect surfaces and
commonly used items that
may carry germs.
Lymphatic filariasis
(elephantiasis)
Other Disorders Castleman disease
It is a rare disorder that involves an
Filariasis is a parasitic infection with a type of overgrowth of cells in your body's lymph
roundworm. Tiny worms, too small to see with nodes.
the naked eye, invade your body. Under a
microscope, the filarial worms look like threads. It's not clear what causes Castleman disease.
However, infection by a virus called human
Types of filarial worms: herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) is associated with
• Wuchereria bancrofti causes 9 out of 10 multicentric Castleman disease.
infections.
•
• Brugia malayi leads to most of the Forms:
remaining cases of the disease. Unicentric Castleman Disease - most
• Brugia timori also can cause infection. common form of the disorder affects a
single lymph node, usually in the chest or
abdomen.
Symptoms:
• Inflammation — an overactivated immune
• Multicentric Castleman Disease - affects
system. multiple lymph nodes throughout the body
• Lymphedema — fluid buildup in your and has been associated with human
lymphatic system. herpes virus type 8 (HHV-8) and human
• Hydrocele — swelling and fluid buildup in immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
the scrotum. Symptoms: • Nausea
• Edema — swelling and fluid buildup in your • Fever • Enlarged liver or
arms, legs, breasts and female genitals • Unintended spleen
(vulva). weight loss
• Fatigue
• Night sweats
Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM)
This is a rare lung disease in which abnormal
Other Disorders Autoimmune lymphoproliferative
syndrome (ALPS)
muscle-like cells begin to grow out of control in
the lungs, lymph nodes and kidneys. This is a rare genetic disorder in which
there is a high number of lymphocytes in
the lymph nodes, liver and spleen.
LAM results from changes in two genes called
TSC1 and TSC2. Most cases of ALPS are caused by mutations
in the FAS gene. FAS produces a receptor
•
Forms: that, when activated, leads to programmed
There’s a Hereditary LAM that occurs in cell death, or apoptosis. When cells do not
patients who have a disease called Tuberous receive the message that it is time for them
Sclerosis to die, an abnormal buildup of cells can
• Sporadic LAM also have genetic mutations, but result. In the case of ALPS, mutations in FAS
cause an abnormal buildup of white blood
the gene mutations are not hereditary and cells.
cannot be passed on to children. The reason
these gene mutations occur is unclear.
•
Symptoms:

•
Fatigue
Symptoms:
•
Nosebleeds
• Shortness of breath, which can get infections, result from a proliferation of
worse over time. lymphocytes and autoimmune
• Chest pain. destruction of other blood cells
• Cough, sometimes with phlegm or
blood streaks.
• Wheezing.
• Pneumothorax (collapsed lung).
• Pleural effusions (fluid that
accumulates in the chest cavity in
which the lung sits).
Mesenteric lymphadenitis
Other Disorders Tonsillitis
This is an inflammation and infection of the
The word “mesenteric” refers to inflammation tonsils caused by common viruses, but
lymph nodes /mesentery, which is a fold of bacterial infections also can be the cause.
membrane that attaches your bowel to the wall Streptococcus pyogenes (group A
of your abdomen. streptococcus) is the most common
bacterium that cause it
Infections that could cause mesenteric Symptoms: • Stomachache
lymphadenitis include:
• Red, swollen • Neck pain or stiff
tonsils neck
• Gastroenteritis (sometimes called the
• White or yellow • Headache
stomach flu).
coating or
• Bacteria found in undercooked meat
patches on the • In young children
(Yersinia enterocolitica).
tonsils who are unable
• Infection related to HIV.
• Sore throat to describe how
• Tuberculosis.
• Difficult or painful they feel, signs
swallowing of tonsillitis may
Symptoms:
• Fever include:
• Pain in the abdomen, often on the
• Enlarged, tender
lower right side of the belly. glands (lymph • Drooling due to
• Tenderness in the abdomen.
nodes) in the difficult or painful
• Fever.
neck swallowing
• Nausea and/or vomiting.
• A scratchy, • Refusal to eat
• Diarrhea.
muffled or throaty • Unusual
voice fussiness
• Bad breath
How can I keep my lymphatic system healthy?
To keep your lymphatic system strong and healthy, you should

Avoid exposure to toxic chemicals like those in

01 pesticides or cleaning products. These chemicals

can build up in your system and make it harder for
your body to filter waste.

Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated so

02 lymph can easily move throughout your body.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes

03 regular exercise and a healthy diet.
When should I call my doctor about
an issue with my lymphatic system?
Call your doctor if you experience fatigue
(extreme tiredness) or have unexplained swelling
that lasts more than a few weeks or interferes
with your daily activities.
 How will my doctor test my
lymphatic system?
To see if your lymphatic system is working as it
should, your doctor may use imaging tests such
as a CT scan or MRI. These tests allow your
doctor to see blockages in your lymphatic
system.

CT SCAN
MRI SCAN
Thanks

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