My A Level Report On The Lymphatic System And Its Function

One of the most important systems in the human body is the lymphatic system. Composed of an extensive network of vessels spread all throughout the body, the lymphatic system is responsible for a variety of functions. The lymphatic system, as a whole, helps protect the body and maintain some very necessary functions. Functions of the lymphatic system

The lymphatic system plays a large role in the ability of the body to collect and recover fluids. Fluid is continually moving throughout the body. Some fluid is returned into the capillaries, however, a significant amount of fluid does not and the lymphatic system helps the body to recover the fluid that has been left behind and prevent swelling and edema within the tissues of the body.

The lymphatic system plays one of the most important roles in the body`s immune defense abilities. The lymphatic system is responsible for collecting foreign cells and matter scattered throughout the body as it recovers fluids. These substances are then transported through the lymph nodes where specialized cells, most commonly known as antibodies, are able to destroy these foreign substances and protects the body from foreign pathogens and infections.

Lastly, the lymphatic system is responsible for allowing the body to absorb lipids that are too large for absorption through the small intestines.

Structures of the lymphatic system

The lymphatic system is composed of several specialized structures and substances. The substance the entire lymphatic system revolves around is the fluid circulating through the lymphatic system known as lymph. Lymph, a fluid that is typically colorless, is similar to blood and contains plasma. Lymph may contain lipids, macrophages, hormones, bacteria, viruses, cellular wasteproducts and other cells.

The lymph travels through an extensive network of vessels known as the lymphatic vessels. These vessels are generously spread throughout the entire body, present in nearly every tissue of the body. These vessels, similar to the circulatory vessels, are composed of smaller lymphatic capillaries that converge to form collecting vessels. These vessels then merge even further to form what is known as a lymphatic trunks, which give rise to the lymphatic ducts. There are two major lymphatic ducts in the body; the right lymphatic duct, which drains the right arm and right side of the trunk, head and neck, and the thoracic duct, which drains the remaining portions of the body.

Lastly, the lymph nodes are a small organ the size of a pea, located numerously throughout the body. These nodes serve as the site of filtration for the myph fluid and activate specialized cells found within the lymph. The lymph nodes can become swollen or enlarged when infection is present. This was one of my essays on the the lymphatic system I wrote earlier this year for my home work at As level