Lab 6: Lymphatic Anatomy

Learning outcomes of the lab exercises:

1. Describe the structure and function of the lymphatic system
2. Define the hierarchy of organs in the system
3. Find the locations of major lymphatic organs, nodes, and vessels
4. Differentiate between histology of spleen, thymus, and lymph node
5. Trace the flow of lymphatic fluid through the major vessels of the system, ultimately leading to
entry into subclavian veins

“The immune system is the complex collection of cells and organs that destroys or neutralizes
pathogens that would otherwise cause disease or death. The lymphatic system, for most people, is
associated with the immune system to such a degree that the two systems are virtually
indistinguishable. The lymphatic system is the system of vessels, cells, and organs that carries
excess fluids to the bloodstream and filters pathogens from the blood. The swelling of lymph nodes
during an infection and the transport of lymphocytes via the lymphatic vessels are but two examples of
the many connections between these critical organ systems.” OpenStax A&P, pg. 976

Background of System
Composition of lymph (=interstitial [=tissue] fluid formed by filtration from capillaries)
-Similar to plasma and tissue fluid
Contains lymphocytes and some granulocytes
No platelets or RBC's
-Nutrients
High fats in intestinal areas during digestion
Glucose, water, and salt about identical to plasma
Generally less protein than plasma but highest levels in liver where synthesized

Functions of lymphatic system

1. Fluid balance
Regulation of interstitial fluid proteins (forced from blood capillaries during filtration) by
returning them to blood stream (otherwise fluid accumulates in interstitial areas
due to increase in OP(Osmotic Pressure))
Removal of tissue fluid from intercellular spaces and return to blood stream

2. Defense
Filters out bacteria and other harmful substances
Destruction of microorganisms and other foreign substances

3. Fat absorption

Hierarchy of Structures

Lymph vessels = one-way system (swelling if plugged)

1. Capillaries
-Blind-ended, larger and more permeable than blood capillaries
-Overlapping endothelial cells form one-way valves permitting fluid to move in
only
-Called "lacteals" in intestinal area due to whitish color of lymph with fats
2. Lymphatic vessels
- Formed by union of several capillaries and become progressively larger
- Structure similar to venules
- Contain one-way valves to prevent backflow and lymph nodes for filtration
83
 - Eventually merge into several main channels (=lymphatic trunks)

3. Lymphatic trunks
- Structure similar to veins
- Drain lymph from relatively large regions of body and named for that region
(e.g., lumbar trunk, intestinal trunk, subclavian trunk)
- Eventually join to form two collecting ducts

4. Terminal vessels (=collecting ducts) = similar to large veins

Thoracic duct (=left collecting duct)

- Larger (38-45 cm long, 4-6 mm diameter)
- Originates at a dilatation called cisterna chyli at front of 2nd lumbar
vertebra where it receives lymph from lower extremities, and walls and
viscera of pelvis and abdomen
- Enters (usually) brachiocephalic vein at junction of left internal jugular
vein and left subclavian vein (semilunar valves at junction prevent
backflow)
- Receives all lymph below diaphragm, and from left half of body above
diaphragm

Right collecting duct

-Very short (=1-2 cm long)
- Empties into brachiocephalic vein at junction of right internal jugular and
subclavian veins
- Drains right upper body

Mechanisms of lymph movement

1. Lymphatic pump = due to muscular movements and valves in vessels
- Skeletal muscle contraction
- Intestinal peristalsis
- Contraction of smooth muscles in walls in response to stretch

2. Pressure gradient (i.e., pressure decreases progressively from tissue fluid to large
veins in neck and any increase in tissue fluid pressure increases flow)
e.g., BP increases => capillary filtration increases => blood plasma osmotic
pressure decreases => interstitial fluid osmotic pressure increases => lymph
capillary permeability increases

3. Ventilatory (respiratory) movements

- During inspiration, pressure on thoracic duct less than on lymphatics outside
thorax (i.e., lymph enters thoracic duct)
- During expiration, pressure in thoracic duct increases and forces lymph into
brachiocephalic veins

Lymph nodes
- Afferent vessels bring lymph into all sides, but one efferent vessel exits at hilum
- All lymph passes through at least one node before entering bloodstream
- Functions: (1) Production of lymphocytes and antibodies
(2) Filtration and defense against spread of infection

84
 OpenStax A&P, pg 985

Major Lymph Node Locations in the Body:

- Consist of both superficial and deep sets, in groups or chains on sides of large blood
vessels. Absent from tissues of central nervous system

Cervical region
- Back of head and neck = drain scalp
- Around sternocleidomastoid muscle = drain facial and throat regions

Axillary region
- drain upper extremities, mammary glands, and muscles and skin of chest area

Inguinal region
- drain lower extremities, external sex organs, and lower abdominal wall

Pelvic cavity
- drain pelvic viscera

Abdominal cavity
- drain abdominal viscera

Mesenteric region
- drain from intestinal tract from absorption process in digestion

Thoracic cavity
- drain thoracic viscera and internal thoracic wall

Lymphatic Organs

Spleen
Location = beneath diaphragm behind and to left of stomach
Structure
- Covered by and held in position by peritoneum (=serous membrane)
- Capsule of connective tissue
- Trabeculae = extensions of capsule dividing splenic pulp into lobules between
trabeculae
- Composition of splenic pulp

85
 1. Red pulp
-
RBC's
-

Phagocytic reticulum cells

2. White pulp
- lymphoid tissue
- WBCs

Functions
1. Blood storage (released on demand)
2. RBC formation in embryos (in adults during
anemia)
3. Destruction and removal of aged RBC's
4. Origin of lymphocytes
5. Phagocytosis, filters out foreign material from the bloodstream

OpenStax A&P, pg 986

Thymus
Location = upper chest along trachea, overlapping large vessels as they leave heart, in
mediastinum
Structure
- Consists of 1, 2, or 3 lobes
- Each lobe of several lobules
1. Cortex of lymphocytes
2. Medulla of reticular cells in clusters called corpuscles of Hassall
- Decreases in size after puberty

Functions
1. Defense against disease
2. Hormone secretion
-Promine = stimulates cell reproduction
and growth
-Thymosin = stimulates
lymphatic
tissue
development
and enhances
immune
mechanisms

86
 OpenStax A&P, pg 983

Lymphatic Structures Coloring

Word Bank
Spleen Cervical lymph nodes
Inguinal lymph nodes Tonsils
Red bone marrow Thymus
Thoracic (left) Duct Subclavian vein
Cisterna Chyli Thoracic lymph nodes
Axillary lymph nodes Mesenteric lymph nodes

87
 Image: Quzlet

Lymphatic Ducts Coloring

Word Bank
Right & Left Jugular lymphatic vessel Cisterna Chyli
Right Lymphatic Duct Thoracic (left) Duct
Right subclavian lymphatic vessel Left subclavian lymphatic vessel
Right subclavian vein Left subclavian vein
Right jugular vein Left jugular vein
Superior Vena Cava R/L Brachiocephalic veins
Right & Left Bronchomediastinal lymphatic vessel

88
Histology of Lymphatic System

Sketch the following lymphatic structure histology in the spaces below. List the cells in each
structure, as well as the tissue types and any special/unique features.

Bone Marrow

Thymus

Spleen

Lymph Node

Tonsil

89
Human Lymphatic Anatomy Model

Locate and label the following structures on the plastic lymphatic model available in the lab.

Lymphatic Organs:

Spleen
Tonsils (adenoid, palatine, sublingual)

Thymus
Cisterna Chyli
Red bone marrow

Lymphatic Nodes:

Cervical lymph nodes

Axillary lymph nodes
Thoracic lymph nodes
Mesenteric lymph nodes
Abdominal lymph nodes
Inguinal lymph nodes

Lymphatic Vessels:

Jugular lymphatic vessel

Subclavian lymphatic vessel
Bronchomediastinal lymphatic vessel
Right lymphatic Duct
Thoracic (left) Lymphatic Duct

Activity: Yarn Model

Use the green and blue yarn to create a diagram showing the major lymphatic vessels and the
drainage points into venous circulation using the list of terms above. This diagram should
consist of the Superior Vena Cava, Brachiocephalic, Internal Jugular and Subclavian Veins.
Then add on the Right and Left (thoracic) Ducts and their major braches. Use the coloring
page on lymphatic vessels to help you visualize the connections between the vessels.

90
Matching Exercise
Match the lymphatic system structure to its proper definition and/or function.

Empties into brachiocephalic vein at junction of

1) _______ Cisterna chyli [A]
right internal jugular and subclavian veins
Function similar to lymph nodes but are located
2) ______ Bone marrow [B] in the nasal and oral cavities; adenoid, palatine
and sublingual
Filter lymph from upper extremities, mammary
3) ______ Thymus [C]
glands and skin of chest
Site of WBC production through hematopoiesis,
4) ______ Spleen [D]
immature cells released into bloodstream
Similar to plasma fluid except less protein and
5) ______ Lymph nodes [E] more lipid; contains lymphocytes and other
WBC’s
Filter lymph from head and neck; found mainly
6) ______ Left (thoracic) duct [F]
around the sternocleidomastoid muscle
Main function is to protect against disease by
7) ______ Right duct [G] maturing lymphocytes using the hormone
thymosin and promine
Filter lymph from lower extremities, external sex
8) ______ Inguinal nodes [H]
organs and lower abdominal wall
Functions as filters of lymph; contains WBC’s
9) ______ Axillary nodes [I] and antibodies to destroy foreign materials
before entering circulation
Unique structure of the lymphatic system that
10) ______ Cervical nodes [J] aggregates all lymph from lower body before
merging with the left (thoracic) duct
Filter lymph from chest cavities and area around
11) ______ Lymph [K]
the lungs
Functions to destroy old red blood cells; cleanse
12) ______ Mesenteric nodes [L] blood plasma through phagocytosis by WBC’s
found within

13) ______ Tonsils [M] Filter lymph from abdominal organs

Receives lymph from the lower extremities and

14) ______ Abdominal nodes [N] walls of the viscera and abdominal organs;
drains into left subclavian vein

15) ______ Thoracic nodes [O] Filter lymph from the intestines
Lab Review Questions
91
In each of the following statements, one word or phrase is underlined.
A. If the statement is true, mark T in the provided space.
B. If it is false, mark F in the space.
C. Make the statement true by substituting a proper word or phrase for the one that is
underlined.

____ The lymphatic vessels in the villi of the small intestine are called lacteals.

____ The largest lymph vessel is the lumbar trunk.

____ The skin is poorly supplied with lymphatic capillaries.

____ Obstruction of lymph circulation will lead to edema.

____ An infection in the big toe would result in enlarged lymph nodes in the axillary region.

____ The thymus is located in the upper abdomen.

____ The largest of the lymphatic organs is the spleen.

____ Phagocytes that remain fixed in position within various organs are called neutrophils.

____ Foreign proteins to which lymphocytes respond are called antibodies.

____ T-cells are responsible for cellular immunity.

____ The immunoglobulin that crosses the placenta from mother to fetus is IgA.

1. What is a major problem resulting from use of immunosuppressive drugs? Explain.

2. What is a common problem following organ transplant? Explain.

3. Why are lymph nodes removed in many surgical procedures to remove a cancer?

Activity: Complete the Story Lymph Flow through the Body

92
Complete the story of the lymph flow through the body.
TERMS MAY BE USED MORE THAN ONCE!
Pelvic Right Duct Thoracic (Left) Duct Subclavian

Cervical Cisterna Chyli Abdominal

Inguinal Axillary Mesenteric

Jugular Thoracic Bronchomediastinal

Lymph collected from the lower appendage must be collected into lymphatic vessels and
is filtered by the _(1)_ nodes located in the groin. From here, more lymph from the
abdominopelvic cavity is filtered by the _(2)_ and _(3)_ nodes before moving into vessels that
will eventually reach the _(4)_ This unique structure contains fatty rich lymph collected by the
digestive system and previously filtered by the _(5)_ nodes along the intestinal tract.

From this centralized location below the diaphragm, lymph moves into the _(6)_ duct,
which transports the fluid through the thoracic cavity and eventually drains into the _(7)_ vein.
This duct also receives fluid from the _(8)_, _(9)_, and _(10)_ lymphatic vessels. This
accounts for ¾ of the body’s lymph flow, ultimately draining the left side of the head, neck, left
upper appendage and all of the abdominopelvic and lower extremities.

From the right side, lymph drains from the head and neck filtered by the _(11)_ nodes
before moving into the _(12)_ lymphatic vessel; the right upper appendage lymph is filtered
through the _(13)_ nodes before draining into the _(14)_ lymphatic vessel and the right side
of the chest filtered by the _(15)_ nodes and draining into the _(16)_ lymphatic vessel. All
three of these vessels merge with the _(17)_ duct, which drains into the right subclavian vein.

Problem Solving Activity

93
For each response,
[1st] State whether you are ACCEPTING or REJECTING that statement.
[2nd] Write a detailed explanation WHY you ACCEPT or REJECT ALL of the choices.
The following problem-solving assessment is presented in a multiple-choice format. Each choice
should be considered individually and an argument should be written for accepting or rejecting it. Since
the problem has one best answer, there should be one argument for acceptance and four for rejection.

PROBLEM #1:

Lymphatic vessels form a one-way network--lymphatic capillaries, collecting vessels, trunks,

and ducts--in which fluid flows only toward the heart. Ducts eventually empty into the blood
vascular system near the junction of the internal jugular and subclavian veins in the neck.
Which of the following is true of lymphatic vessels?

[A.] They serve as sites for immunologic surveillance.

[B.] They filter lymph.

[C.] They transport leaked lipids, fatty acids, and fluids to the CV system.

[D.] They have vessels that resemble arteries, capillaries, and veins.

[E.] The heart is responsible for movement of lymph within the vessels.

Problem Solving Activity

94
For each response,
[1st] State whether you are ACCEPTING or REJECTING that statement.
[2nd] Write a detailed explanation WHY you ACCEPT or REJECT ALL of the choices.
The following problem-solving assessment is presented in a multiple-choice format. Each choice
should be considered individually and an argument should be written for accepting or rejecting it. Since
the problem has one best answer, there should be one argument for acceptance and four for rejection.

PROBLEM #2:

Lymphatic vessels form a one-way network--lymphatic capillaries, collecting vessels, trunks,

and ducts--in which fluid flows only toward the heart. Ducts eventually empty into the blood
vascular system near the junction of the internal jugular and subclavian veins in the neck.
Which of the following causes edema associated with infection?

[A.] Increased colloid osmotic pressure in the blood.

[B.] Increased lymphatic drainage from the area.

[C.] Increased capillary permeability in the area.

[D.] Decreased leakage of albumin into the interstitial spaces.

[E.] Entry of RBC's into the infection site.

95