Lymphatic system

Post on 02-Nov-2014

538 Views

Category:

Documents

0 Downloads

Preview:

Click to see full reader

DESCRIPTION

 

Transcript

LYMPHATIC SYSTEM

The lymphatic system contains immune cells called lymphocytes, which protect the body against antigens (viruses, bacteria, etc.) that invade the body.

Functions

Fluid Balance

The lymphatic system also removes excess fluid, and waste products from the interstitial spaces between the cells.

Fat absorption

The lymphatic system absorbs fats and fat-soluble vitamins from the digestive system and delivers these nutrients to the cells of the body where they are used by the cells.

Defense

The lymphatic system aids the immune system in removing and destroying waste, debris, dead blood cells, pathogens, toxins, and cancer cells.

Lymphatic Organs

Tonsils

Lymph nodes

Spleen

Thymus Gland

Tonsils

The tonsils are a pair of soft tissue masses located at the rear of the throat.

Lymph nodes

Lymph nodes are found throughout your body. They are an important part of your immune system. Lymph nodes help your body recognize and fight germs, infections, and other foreign substances.

Common areas where the lymph nodes can be felt (with the fingers) include:

Groin Armpit Neck (there is a chain of lymph nodes on

either side of the front of the neck, both sides of the neck, and down each side of the back of the neck)

Under the jaw and chin Behind the ears On the back of the head

Spleen The spleen is an organ in the upper far

left part of the abdomen, to the left of the stomach. The spleen varies in size and shape between people, but it’s commonly fist-shaped, purple, and about 4 inches long. Because the spleen is protected by the rib cage, you can’t easily feel it unless it’s abnormally enlarged.

Thymus Gland

The thymus gland is an organ in the upper chest cavity that processes lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that fights infections in the body.

Keeping the lymphatic system operating at peak efficiency

proper nutrition  healthy amounts of good-quality drinking

water  adequate rest  regular exercise stress reduction

top related