2/20/2020 5.1: Anatomy of the Lymphatic System : Essential Human Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab- Burtt
Anatomy of the
Lymphatic System
Figure 5.1 The lymphatic system includes lymph vessels (in green), lymph
capillaries (in green), and the lymph organs:
thymus and spleen.
https://nursingabc.instructure.com/courses/192/pages/5-dot-1-anatomy-of-the-lymphatic-system?module_item_id=21530 1/11
, 2/20/2020 5.1: Anatomy of the Lymphatic System : Essential Human Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab- Burtt
Anatomy of the Lymphatic System
The human lymphatic system (Figure 5.1) consists of lymphatic vessels
and the lymphoid organs. The lymphatic system is closely associated with
the cardiovascular system. The lymphatic vessels take up excess tissue
fluid and return it to the bloodstream. Lymphatic capillaries absorb fats and
transport them to the bloodstream. Finally, the lymphatic system helps with
immunity to defend the body against disease.
Lymphatic Capillaries
The lymph flows one way, from the lymphatic capillary system to the
subclavian veins, where it joins the venous circulation to return to the
heart. Fluid begins in the interstitial fluid between the cells. Most, but not
all, of the fluid is returned to the heart via the veins of the cardiovascular
system. Fluid that is not returned through the veins of the cardiovascular
system enters lymphatic capillaries and flows into a lymphatic vessel.
Lymphatic capillaries are closely connected to the capillaries of the
cardiovascular system. The lymph capillaries take up plasma fluid, which,
under great pressure, has been forced out of the capillaries of the
circulatory system and has not been reabsorbed. This fluid bathes the cells
assisting the capillaries in delivering glucose, oxygen, salts, amino acids,
and other nutrients. Excess tissue fluid entering the lymphatic capillaries is
now called lymph. Lymph flows from the lymphatic capillaries into larger
lymphatic vessels until it eventually empties into venous blood of the
cardiovascular system.
Lymphatic Vessels
Lymphatic (lymph) vessels extend throughout most sections of the
body. Lymph vessels have oneway flow valves similar in structure to the
large veins of the cardiovascular system. The valves prevent the backward
https://nursingabc.instructure.com/courses/192/pages/5-dot-1-anatomy-of-the-lymphatic-system?module_item_id=21530 2/11
Anatomy of the
Lymphatic System
Figure 5.1 The lymphatic system includes lymph vessels (in green), lymph
capillaries (in green), and the lymph organs:
thymus and spleen.
https://nursingabc.instructure.com/courses/192/pages/5-dot-1-anatomy-of-the-lymphatic-system?module_item_id=21530 1/11
, 2/20/2020 5.1: Anatomy of the Lymphatic System : Essential Human Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab- Burtt
Anatomy of the Lymphatic System
The human lymphatic system (Figure 5.1) consists of lymphatic vessels
and the lymphoid organs. The lymphatic system is closely associated with
the cardiovascular system. The lymphatic vessels take up excess tissue
fluid and return it to the bloodstream. Lymphatic capillaries absorb fats and
transport them to the bloodstream. Finally, the lymphatic system helps with
immunity to defend the body against disease.
Lymphatic Capillaries
The lymph flows one way, from the lymphatic capillary system to the
subclavian veins, where it joins the venous circulation to return to the
heart. Fluid begins in the interstitial fluid between the cells. Most, but not
all, of the fluid is returned to the heart via the veins of the cardiovascular
system. Fluid that is not returned through the veins of the cardiovascular
system enters lymphatic capillaries and flows into a lymphatic vessel.
Lymphatic capillaries are closely connected to the capillaries of the
cardiovascular system. The lymph capillaries take up plasma fluid, which,
under great pressure, has been forced out of the capillaries of the
circulatory system and has not been reabsorbed. This fluid bathes the cells
assisting the capillaries in delivering glucose, oxygen, salts, amino acids,
and other nutrients. Excess tissue fluid entering the lymphatic capillaries is
now called lymph. Lymph flows from the lymphatic capillaries into larger
lymphatic vessels until it eventually empties into venous blood of the
cardiovascular system.
Lymphatic Vessels
Lymphatic (lymph) vessels extend throughout most sections of the
body. Lymph vessels have oneway flow valves similar in structure to the
large veins of the cardiovascular system. The valves prevent the backward
https://nursingabc.instructure.com/courses/192/pages/5-dot-1-anatomy-of-the-lymphatic-system?module_item_id=21530 2/11
