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BTEC APPLIED SCIENCE UNIT 8 - Learning aim B
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B: Understand the impact of disorders on the physiology of the lymphatic system and the associated corrective treatments. Grade Distinction.
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Unit 8: Physiology of Human Body SystemsB: Understand the impact of disorders on the physiology of the lymphatic system and the associated
corrective treatments.
Diagram of the anatomy of the lymphatic system
The lymphatic system removes toxins, waste and unwanted materials using tissues and organs by
transporting lymph around the body.
https://www.kenhub.com/en/library/anatomy/lymphatic-system
Lymph Vessels – Lymph vessels are a vast network of tubes capillaries that run throughout the body
and transport lymph away from tissues. They collect and filter lymph at lymph nodes, whilst
transporting it towards collecting ducts. Lymph vessels have smooth thin walls and contain valves to
prevent the lymph fluid from flowing backwards, and to keep it traveling in one direction. They allow
plasma circulation in the cardiovascular system and have areas for certain immune system functions.
Lymph Nodes – Lymph nodes are bean shaped structures which filter substances that travel through
the lymphatic fluid. They also contain lymphocytes which fight infection and disease.
o Axillary lymph nodes are located in the armpit. There are 10-40 lymph nodes in the axilla and
they are important in the diagnosis of breast cancer as the cancer cells from a breast tumour
travel to the axillary nodes.
o Supratrochlear lymph nodes are located slightly above the collar bone. Inflamed lymph
nodes in the clavicle is a serious sign of lung cancer or lymphoma.
, o Abdominal lymph nodes are located in the abdomen in the membrane that surrounds the
intestine. Inflammation of these lymph nodes could be due to stomach flu or lymphoma.
o Inguinal lymph nodes are located in the groin as they filter lymphatic fluid from the feet to
the groin. They can become swollen due to sexually transmitted diseases, skin infections and
cancer.
o Popliteal lymph nodes are located in the lower leg and they filter the lymphatic fluid from
the leg, foot and sometimes the skin.
Valves – Valves make a one way system through the lymph vessels to prevent lymphatic fluid from
flowing backward. The lymphatic system does not contain a pumping organ and instead uses
contraction of skeletal muscles, low pressure, and valves to move the lymph from node to node.
Thymus Gland – The thymus gland is located behind the sternum and between the lungs and is only
active until puberty, after which is shrinks and becomes replaced by fat. The thymus gland produces
thymosin which is promote the development of T-cells and prevent the immune system from
attacking itself (autoimmunity). White blood cells (lymphocytes) are turned into T-cells when they
pass through the thymus gland, and once fully matured they move to the lymph nodes. Lymphocytes
can sometimes mutate into cancers such as Hodgkin’s disease and non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas.
Tonsils – Tonsils are a group of lymphoid tissues that are the first way that the immune system
detects foreign pathogens. Tonsils are coated with antigen capture cells which trap the pathogen,
alert the B-cells and T-cells and then trigger an immune response.
Lacteals – Lacteals are a type of lymphatic vessel that is found in the small intestine which absorbs
digested fats and fat-soluble vitamins.
Spleen – The spleen is an organ that is located between the stomach and diaphragm. Its job is to
recycle old blood cells, store blood platelets, store iron, remove cellular debris and provide an area
for the mononuclear phagocyte system.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/21199-lymphatic-system
https://www.verywellhealth.com/understanding-the-purpose-of-lymph-nodes-2249122
The formation and transport of lymphocytes and lymph
Lymph is formed from interstitial fluid when it is collected through lymph capillaries and transported
through lymph vessels to lymph nodes. Lymphatic vessels have thin walls and are valved structures
that transport lymph using muscle contraction, pressure changes and valves. Lymph capillaries are
the smallest type of lymph vessels and they run alongside arteries and veins. Vessels that use
smooth muscle contraction to transport lymph propel the fluid and skeletal muscle contractions
compress the vessel and propel the fluid in the lower neck area. When tissue fluids and blood
plasma are drained into the lymphatic system lymph is formed. When lymph is being transported it
is delivered either the right lymphatic duct which drains lymph from the right upper and the right
side of the head and thorax or to the thoracic dust which receives lymph from the rest of the body.
Substances are exchanged with the interstitial fluid from the blood and surrounding cells. Proteins
and extra interstitial fluid are returned into the bloodstream via lymph and lymph can also pick up
bacteria where they are transported to lymph nodes to be destroyed. Lymph destroys potentially
dangerous bacteria and cancer cells and filters waste and toxins.
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