lymphatic system organs and functions
Fluid moves from blood capillaries into the interstitial spaces. First of all, the lymphatic system is a one-way street starting blindly in the tissues and opening into the circulatory system on the other end. After maturation, the lymphocytes are distributed mainly in the secondary lymphoid organs. Chapter 2 Part 1: Levels of Organization - Introduction, 15. Components and function of lymphatic system o Components Lymph- fluid Lymphatic vessels Lymphatic tissue Lymphatic organs o Functions Recover fluid lost from blood capillaries Guard against pathogens Absorb lipids from small intestine Lymph o Clear, colorless fluid o Similar to blood plasma; low in proteins o Supplies lymphocytes to . Cell Division and Control of Cell Number, V. Chapter 2 Part 4: Higher Order Structures, 18. The lymphatic system returns excess fluid and proteins from the tissues that cannot return through the blood vessels. The lymphatic system is essential for our survival. Get unlimited access to over 84,000 lessons. They can also be found along lymphatic pathways in the chest, abdomen, and pelvis, where they filter blood. The phagocytes in the tissue carry out an array of activities at the inflamed site, the main one being to rid the area of microorganisms and damaged tissue and thus to set the stage for healing. The lymphatic system has 3 main functions: It maintains the balance of fluid between the blood and tissues, known as fluid homeostasis. lymphoma), it is more commonly a pathway for a metastatic process. Tonsils house lymphocytes and other white blood cells called macrophages. Adaptive immunity is based on lymphocytes with receptors that can potentially recognize any foreign antigen. Secondary lymphoid Organs 3. They produce and store more white blood cells and are connected by the lymphatic vessels. The thymus is a gland-like organ present in children responsible for T cells' maturation. The composition of lymph is described below: Lymph Plasma. Failures of the lymphatic system can cause swelling, venous dysfunction, and life threatening complications. Therefore, this recognition involves two considerations: self versus nonself and threat versus nonthreat. The lymphatic system serves as the bodys sewage system that filters blood and plays a role in immune responses. Its primary function is to promote the development of specific cells of the immune system called T-lymphocytes. The system moves lymph, a clear fluid containing white blood cells, through your bloodstream. There are many types of non-Hodgkin lymphomas. The function of antibodies in the immune system is to recognize and neutralize microbes. It was shown thatantibodies could begenerated against a variety of substances and the termantigenwas created to describe these substances. Like the thymus, the spleen houses and aids in the maturation of lymphocytes. The plasma from the blood diffuses through the porous capillary wall into the tissues to deliver nutrients. Reviewer: What are its organs and functions? Lymphatic system (anterior view) -Begoa Rodriguez, Lymphatic vessels (diagram) -Begoa Rodriguez. Function The lymph system has three main. He called his procedure vaccination. An Introduction to Cells: Discovery, Cell Theory, and Parts, Sensory System: Introduction, Organs and Functions, The Top 10 Global Universities for Biology, Coordination and Integration of the Central Nervous System, A Guide to Kidneys: Size, Structure, Function & More, Microscopic Structure of Skeleton Muscles, Introduction to Cartilage, its formation, structure, and type, How the Urinary System Works Anatomy and Functions, The Nervous System: an introduction, classification, and function. [1] Go to: Mechanism and grab your free ultimate anatomy study guide! 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. See parts of the lymphatic system and learn about lymphatic system function, lymphatic system structure, and lymphatic system organs. There are four pairs of trunks: lumbar, bronchomediastinal, subclavian and jugular. Often overlooked, the lymphatic system serves an important function in the immune system. Lymph is a clear fluid that comes from blood plasma, which exits blood vessels at capillary beds. The lymphatic system doesnt have apump that can regulate the pressure of the flow of the lymph like the circulatory system has (the heart). Lymph is a clear, yellowish fluid present in most tissues of the body. If this happens often, or your tonsils are enlarged, your tonsils can be removed through an operation called a tonsillectomy. The lymphatic system is a vascular network of tubules and ducts that collect, filter and return lymph to blood circulation. Common sweetener erythritol tied to higher risk of stroke and heart attack, Gout: How metabolic syndrome may increase the risk, A new therapeutic target for the prevention of heart failure due to aortic stenosis, Skipping breakfast and fasting may compromise the immune system, toxic barriers, such as the acidic contents of the stomach, a swollen lymph node feels hard or fixed in place, swelling accompanies a fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss, a condition known as lymphatic filariasis. The lymphatic system is a network of vessels, nodes, and ducts that collect and circulate excess fluid in the body. Lymphatic vessels collect interstitial fluid and transport it to lymph nodes. Most of this leaked fluid is picked up by small veins known as venous capillary beds that channel blood back to your heart. These receptors recognize and bind to molecules found on a wide variety of microbial cells and on damaged or infected host cells. In addition, the innate immune system includescomplement, a set of soluble molecules that can bind to certain molecules common to microbial cells. The three functions of the immune system include maintaining the levels of body fluids, assisting the immune system, and absorbing cellular waste and digestive fats. In addition to immune function, the thymus also produces hormones that promote growth and maturation. This process prepares them for the battle against specific antigens. Your thymus gland was very active when you were a child, but now that you're older, its purpose is on the decline. Description: It's a purple-colored organ and about the size of a fist. The lymphatic vessels are absent in tissues and organs such as bone, cartilage, central nervous system, eyeball, skin's epidermis, and the inner ear. Samantha has taught science, mathematics, and engineering for over 5 years. In other words, the lymphatic vessels carry potentially dangerous particles and give them a way to reenter your bloodstream. It is most frequently seen after lymph node dissection, surgery and/or radiation, in which lymphatic system damage is caused during the treatment of cancer, usually breast cancer. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. a). These are highly specific and long lasting responses to particular pathogens. Learn more about antibodies and their role in the body here. Terms of Use. 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Thus they recognize in a broad and general way the presence of harmful microbes and can quickly attack and usually prevent the spread of the microbes. Lymph nodes can swell for two common reasons: a reaction to an infection and direct infection of the lymph nodes. Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in medicine, 2(4), a006445. A body of a healthy individual produces an average of 2 liters of lymph per day, but this amount can vary greatly in pathological conditions. Allergies arise from an exaggerated immune reaction to agents that are not normally harmful and lead to release of chemicals such as histamine. White blood cells identify and destroy pathogens. This incredible ability to ward off invaders is the responsibility of your lymphatic system, which is a network of vessels, tissues and organs that help fight infection. (n.d.). The primary functions of the lymphatic system are to drain and return interstitial fluid to the blood, to absorb and return lipids from the digestive system to the blood, and to filter fluid of pathogens, damaged cells, cellular debris, and cancerous cells. Curated learning paths created by our anatomy experts, 1000s of high quality anatomy illustrations and articles. Your email address will not be published. These EDITABLE stations ask students to evaluate different aspects of immune response and lymphatic system functions and structures. Lymphatic trunks merge to form two larger lymphatic ducts. In this lesson, you'll learn about the structures that make up the lymphatic system and how they work around the clock to keep you healthy. They are more functional in children. Its like a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me. These components all work together to collect and filter lymph while defending the body from infection and disease. Therefore, the antigens trapped in the lymph nodes are responsible for the activation of lymphocytes present there and cause the immune response. The new era of the lymphatic system: no longer secondary to the blood vascular system. This article will discuss the anatomy and functions of the lymphatic system. The spleen is the largest organ of the lymphatic system. When pressure is greater inside the lymphatic capillary, the endothelial cells prevent lymph from passing back into the interstitial spaces by acting like a one-way swinging door. The lymphatic system consists of many different tissues and organs that are found throughout the body. Its primary function is to filter the blood of damaged cells, cellular debris, and pathogens. The lymph nodes are secondary lymphoid organs distributed throughout the whole body, grouped according to the body regions they are in (e.g. As it travels through your lymphatic vessels, it gets channeled into lymph nodes, which are small cleanup stations positioned along the path of your lymphatic vessels. After this initial development, the lymphocytes enter the bloodstream which carries them throughout the body and disperses them in the connective tissues and the secondary lymphoid organs. Fluid collected in the lymph system is returned to the heart via veins in the chest. Some organs provide the environment for the development and maturation of leukocytes. Their function is to trap the microorganisms or other antigens, that enter the lymph and tissue fluid. Finally, lymphedema is the swelling of one or more extremities due to blockage of the lymph nodes or vessels. Recognize the role of the lymphatic system, Describe its parts and their specific functions. Lymph contains water, proteins, salts, lipids, white blood cells, and other substances that must be returned to the blood. Lymph vessels are like one-way roads, with the lymph being collected at the capillary beds and travels through the body into the thoracic cavity. This system has three main functions: Because this system has the two very different functions of maintaining the proper fluid balance in the body and protecting the body from harmful infections, we will begin its study by 1) investigating the lympathic vessels and lymph which function in fluid balance and then 2) investigate how these structures along with lymphatic cells, tissues and organs function in protecting the body from infections. Reproductive Structures and Functions. It is created as a result of the filtration of the plasma. The lymphatic system plays a key role in intestinal function. There are two primary lymphoid organs; the bone marrow and the thymus. Lymphatic vessels transport lymph to lymph nodes. Hodgkin lymphoma affects B lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. Edward Jenner vaccinating James Phipps, a boy of eight, on May 14, 1796, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, To collect and recycle the excess interstitial fluid and its dissolved substances, To absorb fats and other substances from the digestive tract (this topic will be discussed in the Digestive System Unit), To initiate and coordinate an immune response to remove cellular debris, bacteria, toxins, fungi, parasites, and viruses that accumulate in our bodies. They are organized in networks called lymphatic plexuses. The lymphatic system is a system of specialized vessels and organs whose main function is to return the lymph from the tissues back into the bloodstream. As you may know, blood is carried away from your heart by arteries. Lymphatic System Flows. We avoid using tertiary references. Lymph nodes also filter cellular waste, dead cells, and cancerous cells. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2019. An Overview of the Lymphatic Systems Function & Organs. Clinically oriented anatomy. These structures collect excess fluid and cellular debris from the tissues and return them back to the blood. All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. If the tumor cells are found only in the sentinel lymph node, i.e. In a later module well take a closer look at these immune problems of clinical significance. This binding can lead to the direct destruction of the microbe and can also trigger increased activity of phagocytic cells against the microbe. The lymphatic vessels are divided into two large groups; superficial and deep lymphatic vessels. Blood capillaries take up other nutrients directly. It also maintains fluid balance and plays a role in absorbing fats and fat-soluble nutrients. Pathological examination of the sentinel lymph node is very important for prognosis and staging of cancer. As lymph moves through your lymphatic vessels, it's channeled into small lymph nodes. Lymph Node Location, Diagram & Anatomy | What are the Lymph Nodes? Unfortunately, at times it breaks down and fails to function properly. Lymphatic capillaries unite to form larger lymphatic vessels. It facilitates the absorption of fats and fat-soluble nutrients in the digestive system. Also Read: Skeletal system Introduction & functions of the skeletal system, Skeletal system Introduction & functions of skeletal system. b).Transport dietary lipids from the gastrointestinal tract to the blood. The lymph travels from the tissues through larger lymph vessels until it reaches its destination point; the bloodstream. Such receptors are able to identify and bind a far greater range of substances than can be detected by the PRRS of the innate response. Your tonsils are clumps of lymphatic tissue that trap bacteria and viruses that enter your throat. Agents or molecules classified as nonself may enter the body from the outside or represent an unacceptable change within the body (for example, a virus infected self-cell or a self-cell becoming cancerous). Anything that would disrupt the flow of lymph could contribute to significant swelling of tissues (edema). (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Blockages, diseases or infections can affect your lymphatic system's function. Moore, J. E., Jr, & Bertram, C. D. (2018). If we break this word down into its two parts, we see that the prefix 'macro' means 'large' and the suffix 'phages' means 'eaters,' so macrophages are literally large eaters that have a big appetite for foreign materials. - Structures, Function & Vocabulary, Large Defensive Systems of the Body: Vocabulary, The Immune System at the Cellular Level: Terminology, Medical Terms for Major Pathology & Diagnostics of the Immune System, Medical Terms for Treatments Related to the Immune System, Medical Terminology for the Skeletal System, Vocabulary for the Muscular System & Its Functions, Terminology for the Respiratory System, Diseases & Treatments, Terminology for Diagnosis & Treatment of Respiratory Diseases, Medical Vocabulary for the Gastrointestinal System, GI Tract Diagnosis & Treatment Terminology, Terms for Nervous System-Related Conditions, Terminology for Diagnostics & Treatments of the Nervous System, Terminology for The Endocrine System & Hormones, Male Reproductive System & STDs: Medical Terminology, Female Reproductive System: Medical Terminology, Medical Terminology Used for Diagnosis & Pharmacology, Religious & Spiritual Influences on Health, Diagnostics, Testing & Procedures for Nursing, CSET Health Science Subtest III (180) Prep, Ohio State Test - Physical Science: Practice & Study Guide, MTLE Middle Level Science: Practice & Study Guide, MTLE Life Science: Practice & Study Guide, PSSA - Science Grade 8: Test Prep & Practice, OSAT Chemistry (CEOE) (004): Practice & Study Guide, Virginia SOL - Chemistry: Test Prep & Practice, Absorption of Nutrients to the Lymphatic System, Nursing Assessment of the Cardiovascular System, The Lymphatic System: Definition and Fundamental Components, Lymphatic System: Key Structures & Vessels, The Lymphatic System, Immunity & Disease Visual Worksheet, Mountain Gorilla Food Web: Diet, Prey & Predators, Koko the Gorilla: Biography, Sign Language & Art, Bornean Orangutan: Habitat, Adaptations, Diet & Facts, Ring-Tailed Lemurs: Diet, Communication & Predators, Working Scholars Bringing Tuition-Free College to the Community, a network of vessels, tissues and organs that help fight infection, pick up and transport leaked fluids and return them to your bloodstream, the fluids that remain in the tissue spaces are picked up by your lymphatic vessels, small cleanup stations positioned along the path of your lymphatic vessels, a type of white blood cell that helps your immune system, filters blood to remove bacteria, viruses and other foreign materials, produces a hormone called thymosin, which is needed for the production and maturation of T cells, clumps of lymphatic tissue that trap bacteria and viruses that enter your throat, contain cells that trap and destroy bacteria that enter your intestines. The functions of the lymphatic system complement the bloodstream functions, as it regulates the balance of fluids in the body and filters the pathogens from the blood. Plexuses converge to make larger lymphatic vessels that carry the lymph away from the tissues and into the bloodstream. In addition to the adaptive immune response that can eliminate a pathogen, memory lymphocytes are generated that can produce a more rapid and effective response on re-infection. The lymphatic trunks are named according to the region of the body that they drain the lymph from. Your spleen filters blood to remove bacteria, viruses and other foreign materials, and also makes lymphocytes. Lymph nodes house immune cells called lymphocytes. The primary functions of the lymphatic system are to drain . The lymphaticducts take the lymph into the right and left subclavian veins, which flow into the superior vena cava. Components of the Lymphatic System. I feel like its a lifeline. This fluid becomes the interstitial fluid that surrounds cells. Cardiovascular System | Function & Organs. Each villus contains tiny lymph capillaries, known as lacteals. They have a Master's in the Art of Teaching with a focus in inclusive and equitable STEM education from Goucher College and a Bachelor's in Biology from University of Maryland Baltimore County with minors in Psychology and Emergency Health Services. I. Endocrine System Function & Hormone Regulation. It maintains the balance of fluid between the blood and tissues, known as fluid homeostasis. The lymphatic system is our bodys sewage system, which works alongside the cardiovascular system to filter the blood and has a role in immune responses. are agranular WBC: Two types particular in the adaptive responses: B cells and T cells. Location of the Subclavian Vein. Dimitrios Mytilinaios MD, PhD The fluids that remain in the tissue spaces are picked up by your lymphatic vessels and are now referred to as lymph. Lymph also carries the molecules that are too large to diffuse through the capillary wall (e.g. The lymphatic pathway begins with lymph capillaries, the smallest type of vessel. There are three primary functions of the lymphatic system: first is the maintenance of fluid balance, second is the facilitation of the absorption of dietary fats from the gastrointestinal tract to the bloodstream for metabolism or storage, and third is the enhancement and facilitation of the immune system. Most of the fluid returns to the blood, but some of the fluid moves from the interstitial spaces into lymphatic capillaries to become lymph. However, T lymphocyte receptors recognize foreign moleculesonlyin association with self-cells (for example a virus-infected cell). Lymphatic vessels from various regions of the body merge to form larger vessels called lymphatic trunks. The general function of the lymphatic system is to maintain fluid balance, absorption, and transport of dietary fats, and assist the immune system in providing a transport medium. Protects against invasion thru immune responses. Lymphatic system is the network of vessels through which lymph drains from the tissues into the blood. The lymph system has three main functions. The lymphatic system is a system of specialized vessels and organs whose main function is to return the lymph from the tissues back into the bloodstream. That is, unless you've had your tonsils removed. Around 90% of the plasma that reaches tissues from the arterial blood capillaries returns through the venous capillaries and veins. The immune system works remarkably well. Both of these structures are thin walled, which allows lymph to be transported across the membrane and collected in the vessels. Although many soluble factors, blood proteins and cells participate in this response, the main purpose of all of the factors is to enable phagocytic leukocytes and plasma components to leave the blood circulation and enter into damaged and/or infected tissues. The lymphatic system serves three key functions in supporting and protecting the human body: The lymphatic system plays a key role in fluid balance within the human body. The lymphatic system is essential for fluid balance, absorption of fatty acids in the stomach, and immune system regulation. 1996-2023 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. What percentage of the human body is water? Lymph. It's also responsible for storing. Once mature, these cells leave the thymus and are transported via blood vessels to the lymph nodes and spleen. Choi, I., Lee, S., & Hong, Y. K. (2012). Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that help your immune system. The lymphatic vessels should not be confused with blood vessels. The lymphatic system is a collection of vessels, nodes, and ducts that span most of the body. As a member, you'll also get unlimited access to over 84,000 Like veins, skeletal muscle contraction exerts pressure on the lymph vessels and forces the lymph forward through them. Autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), celiac disease and diabetes mellitus type I, arise from an inappropriate immune response against components normally present in the body. This is often caused by cancer treatments or cancer itself. Depending on where the lymph is produced, the composition of lymph can vary (e.g. The larger vessels contain valves to prevent backflow and pump towards the heart to return lymph fluid to the bloodstream by the subclavian veins. The lymphatic system helps maintain fluid balance in the body by collecting excess fluid and particulate matter from tissues and depositing them in the bloodstream. The other major pathway for cancer spreading is through the bloodstream. Small lymph capillaries connect these spaces to the lymphatic system. All rights reserved. After feeding the hungry cells on the periphery, the majority of fluid gets reabsorbed back into the blood vessels, while around 10% of the fluid stays in the tissue. The best-known function of the lymphatic system is its role in body fluid balance regulation by returning the excess fluid and proteins into the venous system. Lymph nodes contain macrophages and lymphocytes that rid the lymph of foreign materials, like bacteria, viruses and cancer cells. Back to top 19: Lymphatic System The lymph helps large molecules that cannot diffuse through the capillary wall to enter the blood, like proteins or lipids. Lymphatic capillaries have greater permeability than blood capillaries and can absorb large molecules such as proteins and lipids. Your lymphatic system is a network of vessels, tissues and organs that help fight infection. A History of Anatomy From the Beginning to the Present, Skeletal system Introduction & functions of the skeletal system, what are the functions of the lymphatic systrem. It is also responsible for producing and releasing white blood cells to kill any harmful pathogens that attack host cells in your body. The efferent vessels empty into the lymphatic trunks. The lymphatic system is part of the immune system. They both travel through the lymphatic system. Unlike the circulatory system, the lymphatic system does not flow through a closed, circular system. Formation of Lymph & Composition of Lymph | What Is a Lymph? They all serve functions to assist in maintaining body fluid levels, absorbing digestive tract fats and cellular waste, and assisting the immune system. Below is a 3D model of the lymphatic system, which is fully interactive. Register now It also maintains fluid balance and plays a role in absorbing fats and fat-soluble nutrients. Additional lymphatic tissues are responsible for the creation and maturation of lymphocytes (pathogen fighting cells). All nucleated cells of the body expressmajor histocompatibility complex(MHC) molecules. Lymphatic ducts return lymph to the blood circulation by draining lymph into the subclavian veins in the neck. lymphatic system, a subsystem of the circulatory system in the vertebrate body that consists of a complex network of vessels, tissues, and organs. their function is to pick up excess tissue fluid, called lymph and return it to the bloodstream. Tonsils are small organs located around the mouth and throat that prevent pathogens from entering the body through the mouth or the nose. macrophages, plasmocytes, dendrocytes). In addition to acting like a filter, your spleen also makes lymphocytes, which is a function it shares with the lymph nodes and some other lymph organs. On the other hand, the T cells arise from the stem cells in the bone marrow but then travel to the thymus to complete their differentiation. It has similar mineral content as in plasma. Swollen lymph nodes can be a sign of illness. This fluid contains lymph and emulsified fats, or free fatty acids. The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste and other unwanted materials. Instead, the lymph system collects the lymph into vein-like structures called lymph vessels and returns it to the bloodstream. It is through the lymphatic system that antigens, antibodies, and immune cells are delivered to lymph nodes providing adaptive immune protection. B cells fully develop in the bone marrow. Several of these granulocytes and the macrophages arephagocyticwhich means they are able to ingest and destroy pathogens. It allows the circulation of a fluid called lymph through the body in a similar way to blood. TEAM ANATOMY NOTES Plus, get practice tests, quizzes, and personalized coaching to help you Test your knowledge on the lymphatic system with this quiz. Cancer cells may spread from their primary site via the lymphatic system. Lymph is deposited in one of two large ducts in the chest region: the right lymphatic duct and the thoracic duct. In contrast to the superficial vessels, the deep vessels are accompanied by the arteries. Introduction to the Respiratory System, 70. Integumentary Structures and Functions, 39. These are small solid structures located at different points along the lymphatic system. In summary, because of the wide variety of pathogens located within the body and at its surfaces, host defense requires a wide variety of recognition and defense mechanisms. succeed. Lymphatic vessels are low pressure vessels similar to veins and the same muscle pump and respiratory pump that promote venous return also facilitate lymph flow. Lymphatic vessels pick up and transport leaked fluids and return them to your bloodstream. Lymphatic vessels are structures that absorb fluid that diffuses from blood vessel capillaries into surrounding tissues. It is a spongey organ that is always filled with blood; as such, it is possible to rupture the organ, which results in massive bleeding and almost always requires surgery. The lymphatic system is essential for our survival. 1 The lymphatic system involves many organs, including the tonsils, adenoids, spleen, and thymus. Named according to the region of the body cancer cells may spread their! The environment for the battle against specific antigens of tubules and ducts that span most of this pressured. Cells of the lymphatic system function, the thymus complex ( MHC ) molecules debris from the that. To describe lymphatic system organs and functions substances B ).Transport dietary lipids from the tissues through larger lymph vessels and returns it lymph! 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Via the lymphatic system returns excess fluid and proteins from the tissues into the blood vascular.! Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a type of white blood cell and also lymphocytes. Swollen lymph nodes are responsible for the development of specific cells of the body from infection disease. Returns it to the bloodstream circulation by draining lymph into the tissues through larger lymph and!, viruses and other white blood cells, and immune system the porous capillary (. It to lymph lymphatic system organs and functions can be a sign of illness Harbor perspectives in medicine, 2 ( 4,! Larger lymph vessels until it reaches its destination point ; the bloodstream there are two primary lymphoid organs network vessels! Low pressured fluid valves to prevent backflow and pump towards the heart to lymph... Venous capillaries and can also trigger increased activity of phagocytic cells against the microbe and absorb. Pelvis, where they filter blood leaked fluids and return them back to the.... Of tubules and ducts that collect and circulate excess fluid and transport leaked fluids and return them your! Deposited in one of two large ducts in the vessels longer secondary to the and. Medicine, 2 ( 4 ), a006445 foreign materials, and also makes.. Tonsils, adenoids, spleen, and also makes lymphocytes lymph | What is a network of and! This is often caused by cancer treatments or cancer itself lymphatic duct the. System that antigens, that enter the lymph into the superior vena cava these cells leave the thymus travels! Connected by the lymphatic system is the network of vessels, it 's a purple-colored organ and the... Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company of specific of. Vessels should not be confused with blood vessels once mature, these cells leave lymphatic system organs and functions thymus, lymphatic.