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lymphatic system
Function:
- absorption of interstitial fluid
- response to infection
- lymphatic vessels transport lymph through lymph nodes &/or lymphoid tissue where senescent cells, pathogens & foreign matter are filtered
- after filtration, lymph is returned to the circulation mainly via the thoracic duct
- a smaller amount of lymph is returned to the circulation via the right lymphatic duct
- lymphatics in the meninges drain interstitial fluid from the brain parenchyma [1]
Structure:
- an extensive network of lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes & lymphoid tissue in the spleen, gastrointestinal tract, tonsils & adenoids
Comparative biology:
- lymphatic drainage of the brain worsens with aging in mice [1]
- impairment of lymphatic drainage of the brain in mice leads to cognitive deficits & to beta-amyloid accumulation in the meninges & brain parenchyma in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease
Related
lymphedema
General
organ system
References
- Da Mesquita S, Louveau A, Vaccari A et al.
Functional aspects of meningeal lymphatics in ageing and
Alzheimer's disease.
Nature 2018 Aug; 560:185.
PMID: 30046111
Components
adenoids (pharyngeal/Luschka/third tonsils)
deep parotid lymph node
lacteal
lymph
lymph node
lymph vessel (lymphatic vessel)
palatine tonsil (faucial tonsil, tonsilla)
spleen
superficial parotid lymph node
thoracic duct (Pecquet's duct, van Horne's canal)
thymus