12.1 Introduction to the Lymphatic System
Learning Objectives
- Address major gross and microscopic structural components of the lymphatic system
- Describe the flow of fluid through the lymphatic system
- Illustrate the functional relationships among the lymphatic components
- Describe the relationship between blood, tissue, and lymphatic fluids
Introduction to the Lymphatic System[1]
The lymphatic system is a system of vessels, cells, and organs that carries excess fluids to the bloodstream and filters pathogens (disease-causing organisms) from the blood. The immune system is a complex collection of cells and organs that destroy or neutralize pathogens that would otherwise cause disease or death. The lymphatic system is associated with the immune system to such a degree that the two systems are virtually indistinguishable.
- Betts, J. G., Young, K. A., Wise, J. A., Johnson, E., Poe, B., Kruse, D. H., Korol, O., Johnson, J. E., Womble, M., & DeSaix, P. (2022). Anatomy and physiology 2e. OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e/pages/1-introduction ↵
definition
A system of vessels, cells, and organs that carries excess fluids to the bloodstream and filters pathogens from the blood.
Disease-causing microorganisms.
A complex collection of cells and organs that destroy or neutralize pathogens that would otherwise cause disease or death.
