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1. Interstitial fluid2. Structure of lymphatic system

3. Comparison: lymphatic & circulatory

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What is Interstitial Fluid?

A medium that surround and bathes the cell

for cells to receive nutrition or undergo

gaseous exchange.

It is continuously being replaced by fresh fluid

from the blood.

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Components of Interstitial Fluid

Consists of water-based solvent containingnutrients (amino acids, sugars, fatty acids,coenzymes, hormones, neurotransmitters,

salts) & waste products from cells. Also contains some types of WBC, which help

in combat infection.

Composition of IF depends upon the exchangebetween the cells in tissue & in blood.

IF has different composition in diff. tissues &diff. areas of the body.

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Formation of Interstitial Fluid

IF is formed during the blood flow by high

hydrostatic pressure in blood vessels,

generated by the pumping force of the heart.

This high pressure is sufficient to cause fluid to

leak continuously from the blood into spaces

between the cells.

IF need to return back to circulatory system to

prevent the formation of oedema (swelling)

which often can be seen around ankles & feet.

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What is Lymph?

Lymph is a colorless/transparent yellowishliquid within the lymphatic system; it drainsfrom spaces between the cells.

Contains blood plasma, dissolved proteins, salts& leucocytes.

Lymph flows as a result of skeletal musclecontraction, intestinal & respiratorymovements, and aided by contraction ofsmooth muscles in wall of lymph vessels (one-way valves)

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The Lymphatic System

System of lymph nodes, lymph vessels,

nodules & lymphoid tissue including thymus,

spleen, tonsils & bone marrow.

The main lymphatic vessels are the thoracic

duct & the right lymphatic duct.

Lymphatic vessels resemble veins with thinner

walls, larger lumen & more valves.

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Major Lymphatic Vessels

Thoracic duct

Receives lymph from left of head, neck & chest,

the upper limb & entire body below the ribs

Empties lymph into left subclavian vein backinto blood

Right lymphatic duct

Receives lymph from right arm, shoulder area, &right side of the head & neck

Empties lymph into right subclavian vein back

into blood

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Lymphatic Capillaries

Blind-ended tubes/ close at one end

Located in the spaces between the cells

IF which is not absorbed into bloodstream

drains into these capillaries lymph

Flow of lymph begins in the close-ended

lymphatic capillaries.

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The Lymph Nodes

LN are encapsulated masses of lymphatic

tissue that are up to 25mm in diameter, with

shape of an oval bean.

Contain a lot of leucocytes (lymphocytes) that

are embedded into a connective tissue.

Filter out toxic substances.

Serve as a place for production of phagocytes

that engulf bacteria & poisonous substances.

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Thymus & Spleen

Thymus is an unpaired organ, located in themiddle extending up to the neck at the loweredge of thyroid with shape of 2 pyramid

lobules. It serves as a location for lymphocytes before

birth & starts to form a group of hormones atpuberty.

Spleen is the largest lymphatic organ whichlocated lateral to the stomach.

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Main Functions of Lymphatic System

It returns the interstitial fluid back to

circulatory system maintain fluid balance in

body.

It absorbs fats from the intestine & transports

them to blood.

Provides defenses against disease causing

organisms & abnormal cells.

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Lymphatic & Circulatory

Fluid Blood IF LymphRBC / X X

Platelets / X X

WBC / / /

Proteins /

(a lot)

/

(few)

/

(few)

Other solutes

(ions, waste)

/ / /

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Diseases Related to LS

Lymphedema

Swelling (edema) in arms & legs as IF accumulates

Elephantiasis

Result of extreme accumulation of fluid caused by

a mosquito-borne parasite that invades the

lymphatic system

Can affect the genitals & breasts

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