The blood circulatary system consists of small tubular structure responsible for the carrying blood known as blood vessels. Some intercellular fluids (tissue fluids), however does not re-enter capillaries or vein directly is picked up by thin walled blind ended lymph vessels.
Outline the functions and position of the component vessels, tissue and organs involved in draining of lymph into the blood.
Functions and Position of the Component Vessels, Tissues, and Organs involved in Draining Lymph into the Blood:
1. Lymph Capillaries:
- Functions: The main function of lymph capillaries is to collect excess tissue fluid, known as interstitial fluid, along with any proteins, cells, and debris present in the interstitial space.
- Position: Lymph capillaries are present all over the body, particularly in the spaces between cells and tissues.
2. Lymph Vessels:
- Functions: Lymph vessels act as conduits for transporting the collected lymph fluid from the tissues to the lymph nodes and eventually back into the bloodstream.
- Position: Lymph vessels are present throughout the body and are interconnected with lymph capillaries. They form a network that carries lymph from the tissues to the lymph nodes.
3. Lymph Nodes:
- Functions: Lymph nodes act as filtering stations for the lymph fluid. They contain specialized immune cells called lymphocytes that help in the detection and elimination of foreign substances, such as bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells, present in the lymph fluid.
- Position: Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures located along the lymph vessels. They are present in clusters at various points in the body, such as the neck, armpits, groin, and abdomen.
4. Lymphatic Ducts:
- Functions: Lymphatic ducts are large vessels that receive lymph fluid from the lymph nodes and converge to drain into the bloodstream. They help in returning the filtered lymph back into circulation.
- Position:
- Thoracic Duct: The thoracic duct is the main lymphatic duct in the body. It begins near the abdomen and runs through the chest, draining lymph from the lower limbs, abdomen, left arm, and left side of the head and neck. It enters the bloodstream near the left subclavian vein.
- Right Lymphatic Duct: The right lymphatic duct is a smaller duct that drains lymph from the right arm, right side of the head and neck, and the right side of the chest. It enters the bloodstream near the right subclavian vein.
5. Bloodstream:
- Functions: The bloodstream is responsible for transporting the lymph fluid, now called lymphatic fluid, into the main circulation. It carries the filtered lymph to the heart, where it gets mixed with blood, and then circulates throughout the body, supplying oxygen, nutrients, and immune cells to various tissues and organs.
- Position: The bloodstream is a closed system of blood vessels that includes arteries, veins, and capillaries. It carries lymphatic fluid after it enters the general circulation through the thoracic or right lymphatic ducts.
Overall, the lymphatic system acts as a drainage system and a part of the immune system. It collects and filters the excess interstitial fluid, returns it to the bloodstream, and helps in the protection against infections and diseases.