Lymphatic system

"Lymphatic drainage" redirects here. For the massage technique, see Manual lymphatic drainage.
Not to be confused with Limbic system.
Lymphatic system
Human lymphatic system
Details
Identifiers
Latinsystema lymphoideum
MeSHD008208
TA98A13.0.00.000
TA25149
FMA7162 74594, 7162
Anatomical terminology

The lymphatic system, or lymphoid system, is an organ system in vertebrates that is part of the immune system and complementary to the circulatory system. It consists of a large network of lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, lymphoid organs, lymphatic tissue and lymph.[1][2] Lymph is a clear fluid carried by the lymphatic vessels back to the heart for re-circulation. The Latin word for lymph, lympha, refers to the deity of fresh water, "Lympha".[3]

Unlike the circulatory system that is a closed system, the lymphatic system is open.[4][5] The human circulatory system processes an average of 20 litres of blood per day through capillary filtration, which removes plasma from the blood. Roughly 17 litres of the filtered blood is reabsorbed directly into the blood vessels, while the remaining three litres are left in the interstitial fluid. One of the main functions of the lymphatic system is to provide an accessory return route to the blood for the surplus three litres.[6]

The other main function is that of immune defense. Lymph is very similar to blood plasma, in that it contains waste products and cellular debris, together with bacteria and proteins. The cells of the lymph are mostly lymphocytes. Associated lymphoid organs are composed of lymphoid tissue, and are the sites either of lymphocyte production or of lymphocyte activation. These include the lymph nodes (where the highest lymphocyte concentration is found), the spleen, the thymus, and the tonsils. Lymphocytes are initially generated in the bone marrow. The lymphoid organs also contain other types of cells such as stromal cells for support.[7] Lymphoid tissue is also associated with mucosas such as mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT).[8]

Fluid from circulating blood leaks into the tissues of the body by capillary action, carrying nutrients to the cells. The fluid bathes the tissues as interstitial fluid, collecting waste products, bacteria, and damaged cells, and then drains as lymph into the lymphatic capillaries and lymphatic vessels. These vessels carry the lymph throughout the body, passing through numerous lymph nodes which filter out unwanted materials such as bacteria and damaged cells. Lymph then passes into much larger lymph vessels known as lymph ducts. The right lymphatic duct drains the right side of the region and the much larger left lymphatic duct, known as the thoracic duct, drains the left side of the body. The ducts empty into the subclavian veins to return to the blood circulation. Lymph is moved through the system by muscle contractions.[9] In some vertebrates, a lymph heart is present that pumps the lymph to the veins.[9][10]

The lymphatic system was first described in the 17th century independently by Olaus Rudbeck and Thomas Bartholin.[11]

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  4. ^ Zhang, Yufan; Zhang, Juxiang; Li, Xiaowei; Li, Jingru; Lu, Shuting; Li, Yuqiao; Ren, Panting; Zhang, Chunfu; Xiong, Liqin (2022-06-01). "Imaging of fluorescent polymer dots in relation to channels and immune cells in the lymphatic system". Materials Today Bio. 15: 100317. doi:10.1016/j.mtbio.2022.100317. ISSN 2590-0064. PMC 9213818. PMID 35757035.
  5. ^ Hu, Dan; Li, Long; Li, Sufang; Wu, Manyan; Ge, Nana; Cui, Yuxia; Lian, Zheng; Song, Junxian; Chen, Hong (2019-08-01). "Lymphatic system identification, pathophysiology and therapy in the cardiovascular diseases". Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology. 133: 99–111. doi:10.1016/j.yjmcc.2019.06.002. ISSN 0022-2828. PMID 31181226. S2CID 184485255.
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  9. ^ a b Peyrot SM, Martin BL, Harland RM (March 2010). "Lymph heart musculature is under distinct developmental control from lymphatic endothelium". Developmental Biology. 339 (2): 429–38. doi:10.1016/j.ydbio.2010.01.002. PMC 2845526. PMID 20067786.
  10. ^ Jeltsch M, Tammela T, Alitalo K, Wilting J (October 2003). "Genesis and pathogenesis of lymphatic vessels". Cell and Tissue Research. 314 (1): 69–84. doi:10.1007/s00441-003-0777-2. PMID 12942362. S2CID 23318096.
  11. ^ Eriksson G (2004). "[Olaus Rudbeck as scientist and professor of medicine]". Svensk Medicinhistorisk Tidskrift. 8 (1): 39–44. PMID 16025602.