Question

The blood circulation system consists of small tubular structures responsible for carrying blood know as blood vessels. Some internal cellular fluid (tissue fluid), how ever does not re_enter capillaries or vieus directly is picked up by their walled blind ended lymph vessels.
Outline the functions and positions of the structural components ie vessel, tissues and organs involved in draining of lymph into the blood.

Answer 1

1. Lymphatic capillaries: These small, thin-walled vessels are found in most tissues and organs throughout the body. They collect excess interstitial fluid (tissue fluid) that is not reabsorbed by the blood capillaries and initiate the flow of lymph.

2. Lymphatic vessels: Lymphatic capillaries converge to form larger lymphatic vessels. These vessels have valves that prevent the backward flow of lymph and carry the lymph towards the lymph nodes.

3. Lymph nodes: These small bean-shaped structures are scattered along the lymphatic vessels. They play a crucial role in the immune system by filtering out harmful substances, such as bacteria and viruses, and producing lymphocytes (white blood cells) to fight infection.

4. Lymphatic trunks: Several lymphatic vessels unite to form larger lymphatic trunks. There are five main lymphatic trunks in the body - the jugular, subclavian, bronchomediastinal, lumbar, and intestinal trunks.

5. Collecting ducts: The lymphatic trunks further converge to form two major collecting ducts - the right lymphatic duct and the thoracic duct.

- The right lymphatic duct drains lymph from the right upper limb, the right side of the head and neck, and the right thoracic region.
- The thoracic duct drains lymph from the rest of the body, including the left upper limb, left side of the head and neck, and the entire lower body.

6. Venous angles: The collecting ducts empty the lymph into the venous angles, where the subclavian veins and internal jugular veins meet. At these points, the lymph is mixed with the blood, and the fluid is returned to the circulation.

Overall, the lymphatic system serves to collect, transport, and filter lymph, which ultimately drains back into the bloodstream, helping to maintain fluid balance and remove waste products from the body.