Introduction to Lymphatic System | Basic Anatomy and Physiology Animations
Throughout our bodies, tubular networks make up the Lymphatic system. Additionally, it transports lymph from tissue gaps through these networks and returns it to circulation, preventing fluid buildup.
However, although it plays a key function in our bodies, this system is underappreciated.
So here we are with a video that is packed with information about a vital physiological system.
The anatomy and physiology of the Lymphatic system, which includes the lymph, lymph vessels, lymph nodes, and lymphoid organs, will be covered in this video. You must watch this video to fully understand all of these topics, but let's get a quick overview of them first.
▬ 🕘 Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction to Lymphatic System Physiology
00:26 - Cardiovascular System.
01:39 - Functions of Lymphatic System
04:04 - Components of Lymphatic System
06:48 - Link to video lectures on sqadia.com
▬ 📌 Introduction to the Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is a crucial system of our body, that is considered a part of the immune system, as it plays a role in immunity. But other than immunity, it plays many other critical roles in our body.
The cardiovascular system is known to transport "Blood”, throughout the body, via a network of tubular structures called Blood vessels. Similarly, the Lymphatic system transports “Lymph”, throughout the body, via a tubular network called Lymphatics or Lymph vessels.
The lymphatic system is known for its 3 main roles.
🟠 Fluid balance preservation
🟠 Nutritional role
🟠 Role in defense
All these roles must be performed by some components. So, the components of the lymphatic system can be categorized as;
🔵 Lymph
🔵 Lymph vessels
🔵 Lymph nodes
🔵 Lymphoid organs
▬ 📌 Lymph
The word “Lymph” came from the Latin word “Lympha”. which means “Water” or “Water like”. It got this name because of its resemblance to Water or body fluids.
Lymph is another liquid connective tissue of our body, just like Blood. And, it is formed from the interstitial fluid that is filtered from the blood capillaries. It is a clear and colorless fluid that is formed by 96% water, and 4% solids.
We have discussed the composition and functions of lymph in detail in this video!
▬ 📌 Lymph Vessels
Lymph vessels or Lymphatics are the extended tubular networks that carry Lymph from the interstitium to the venous system. This lymphatic vasculature is mainly formed by;
🔴 Lymphatic capillaries
🔴 Collecting lymphatics
🔴 Afferent lymphatics
🔴 Efferent lymphatics
Lymph is carried from the interstitium by the initial lymphatic capillaries, which are then passed through collecting ducts and ultimately enter the Afferent vessels. Afferent vessels then carry it to the “Lymph nodes”, and from there the vessels that exit and drain lymph away from lymph nodes are the Efferent vessels.
This entire vasculature is mainly responsible for;
🟤 Transport of Lymph towards blood
🟤 Cleansing or filtration of lymph
▬ 📌 Lymph Nodes
Lymph nodes are another important component of the lymphatic system. These are the bean-shaped glandular structure that appears as swollen part along the path of lymphatics.
In total, there are 700 Lymph nodes present in our body. Their major distribution is around the Elbow, Axilla, Knee, Groin, Abdomen, thorax, and neck.
Lymph nodes act as filters and cleanse the lymph passing through them, as they phagocytose the foreign invading particles, and also have a large number of WBCs mainly lymphocytes present in them.
We have explained their structural and functional detail in this video.
▬ 📌 Lymph Flow Through Lymphatics
Excess interstitial fluid finds its way to return back to the blood through the Lymphatic vessels. Once this fluid enters the lymphatics, now it is called “Lymph”.
Lymph entrance and flow through lymphatics is explained well by two phases;
🟡 Expansion phase
🟡 Compression phase
Lymph enters lymphatic vasculature at the level of capillaries, then passes through collecting lymphatics, Afferent lymphatics, Lymph nodes, and Efferent lymphatics in order. These Efferent lymphatics then drain lymph to any of the 5 Trunks of this system. These trunks include;
🔵 Left and Right jugular trunks
🔵 Left and Right Subclavian trunks
🔵 Left and Right Broncho-mediastinal trunks
🔵 Left and Right lumbar trunks
🔵 Single intestinal trunk
These trunks then empty into one of the 2 Collecting ducts, which are;
🔴 Right Lymphatic duct
🔴 Thoracic duct
So that was all! Have a look at related medical videos here!
▬ 🎬 5500+ sqadia.com Medical Videos ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
👩🏻⚕️ Accessible Medical Student Education 24/7/365
💡 Simplifying Medical Learning
💪 Study Hard, Dream Big, Achieve More
#physiology #physiologylectures #medicalphysiology #physiologyvideos
#medicalstudent #medicaleducation #medicallectures #medicalstudy #medicalstudents #medicalanimation