BHS104A, Anatomy & Physiology, Assessment 2: Lymphatic System Report

This report provides a comprehensive overview of the lymphatic system, a crucial component of the immune system. It begins with an introduction to the system, defining its role as part of the vascular and immune systems. The report details the levels of organization within the lymphatic system, from lymphocytes to lymphatic organs and the system itself, with visual aids like diagrams illustrating these levels. It then describes the structure of primary and secondary lymphatic organs, including the red bone marrow, thymus, spleen, and lymph nodes, and the lymphatic circulation process, including blood capillaries, interstitial spaces, and lymphatic vessels. The report outlines the various functions of the lymphatic system, such as transporting digested nutrients, storing and processing erythrocytes, draining lymph fluid, and developing immunity. The report also discusses the lymphatic system's role in homeostasis, movement, and protection, specifically how it regulates fluid balance, aids in movement through the body, and produces lymphocytes for protection. The conclusion summarizes the key points, emphasizing the system's integral role in the human body. References to scientific literature are provided to support the information presented.

The Lymphatic System
Subject : Anatomy and Physiology
Assessment 2
Lecturer’s name : Meenakshi Iyer
Student name : MY VY VO
Student ID : 111521

Introduction
Fig 1: Lymphatic System
Source: (Rizzo, p.350, 2016)
The lymphatic system is
portion of the vascular system
and an substantial part of the
immune system, comprising a
big network of lymphatic
vessels that transport a clear
fluid called lymph directed
towards the heart.

Level of organization
• Lymphocytes (T cells, B cells)
• Lymph tissues
• Lymphatic organ
• Lymphatic systemFig 2: Level of organization
Source: (Structural organisation
of the body, 2019)

Lymphatic organ
• Primary organ :
Red bone marrow and thymus
• Secondary organ:
Spleen and Lymph node
Fig 3 : Origin and processing of B cells and T cells
(VanPutt at el, p. 393, 2013)
Fig 4 : Lymph node and spleen (Rizzo, p 355-357, 2016)

Lymphatic circulation
• Blood capillaries
• Interstitial spaces of fluid
• Lymphatic capillaries
• Lymphatic vessels
(lymph node)
• Lymphatic trunks/ducts
Fig 5 : Lymphatic circulation (Rizzo, p.352, 2016)

Function of lymphatic system
• Transportation of digested nutrients.
• Storage and processing of erythrocytes.
• Drainage of the lymph fluid.
• Develops immunity.

Innate immunity
• First line defense
• Outside defense system
• Physical and chemical barriers
• Provide instant defense
• Example: Neutrophil
lymphocytes
• Second line defense
• Non specific resistance
• Generalized way destruction
• No specific targets
• Example: Monocytes
lymphocytes

Role in homeostasis, movement ,
protection
• Role in Homeostasis
Regulates the balance of fluid (lymph). Collects lymph fluid and blood plasma
cells and returns to blood.
• Role in movement
Restricted movement. Flow depends on the movement and locomotion of the body.
• Role in protection
Produces white blood cells called lymphocytes and provides protection.

Conclusion
• The structure and function of the
lymphatic system was acknowledged.
• The importance of the lymphatic
system was understood.
• The organization level of the
lymphatic system was studied.
• Thus it is hereby concluded that
lymphatic system is an integral part of
our human body.
Fig 6: Lymphatic System
Source: (Structural
organization of the body,
2019)

References
Kelly, B., & O'neill, L. A. (2015). Metabolic reprogramming in macrophages and dendritic cells in
innate immunity. Cell research, 25(7), 771.
Khan, A. R., Hams, E., Floudas, A., Sparwasser, T., Weaver, C. T., & Fallon, P. G. (2015). PD-L1 hi B
cells are critical regulators of humoral immunity. Nature communications, 6, 5997.
Louveau, A., Smirnov, I., Keyes, T. J., Eccles, J. D., Rouhani, S. J., Peske, J. D., ... & Harris, T. H.
(2015). Structural and functional features of central nervous system lymphatic vessels. Nature, 523(7560),
337.
Lymphatic circulatory system. (2019). Lymphatic Circulatory System | Transport Systems In Animals |
Siyavula. Retrieved 18 July 2019, from https://www.siyavula.com/read/science/grade-10-
lifesciences/transport-systems-in-animals/07-transport-systems-in-animals-03
Randolph, G. J., Ivanov, S., Zinselmeyer, B. H., & Scallan, J. P. (2017). The lymphatic system: integral
roles in immunity. Annual review of immunology, 35, 31-52.
Karaman, S., Aspelund, A., Detmar, M., Alitalo, K., Krams, R., & Back, M. (2017). The lymphatic
system. ESC Textbook in Vascular Biology.
Structural organisation of the body. (2019). 1.2 Structural Organization of the Human Body | Anatomy &
Physiology. Retrieved 18 July 2019, from http://library.open.oregonstate.edu/aandp/chapter/1-2- structural-
organization-of-the-human-body/