The Lymphatic system essays

The Lymphatic system essays Although blood is thought to be the main medium of transport for material around the cell, there is another fluid that serves the cells and is a vital link between the cells and the blood circulation. About 90% of the fluid that leaks out of the capillaries eventually seeps back in however the remaining 10% is returned to the blood by the lymphatic system and is called lymph. This system is made up of many blind-ending lymph vessels, which allow tissue fluid to flow into them via one-way valves to allow the flow in and not out. These valves are large enough to allow proteins, which are too big to get into the capillaries, into the lymph vessels. The absence of a lymphatic system would allow tissue fluid to accumulate rather than be returned to the blood resulting in serious damage. If the protein concentration and rate of loss from plasma are not in balance with the concentration and rate of loss of tissue fluid; bloating or oedema is the result. Lymph vessels are swollen at intervals to form lymph nodes. These are masses of tissues in which unique function of the lymphatic system takes place. The lymph nodes contain sinuses, each containing many lymphocytes, antibodies and antitoxins, which identify and destroy foreign substances such as bacteria, viruses and poisons. As the lymph passes through a node, it is filtered of toxins and potentially harmful substances. Similar in composition with tissue fluid. It has a different name because it is found in a different place. Lymph vessels are closely associated with the circulatory system vessels. The fluid they contain is called lymph. Larger lymph vessels are similar to veins where valves are present to ensure flow in only one direction. Contraction of skeletal muscle causes movement of the lymph fluid through lymph vessels. ...