Lymphatic System Overview

Front

Lymphatic System

Back

A network of vessels that transports fluids.

Front

Components of Lymph

Back

96% Water, 4% Other (dissolved solids, cells, ions, nutrients, gases, proteins, hormones, enzymes).

Front

Fluid Balance

Back

Absorbs excess tissue fluid to return it to the bloodstream.

Front

Fat Absorption

Back

Absorbs lipids and fat-soluble vitamins from the digestive tract.

Front

Defense

Back

Removes harmful substances from lymph and blood.

Front

Percentage of Fluid Not Reabsorbed

Back

Approximately 10% of the fluid that exits blood capillaries is not reabsorbed.

Front

Consequences of Excess Fluid

Back

If this excess fluid was not absorbed it would remain in the interstitial space, resulting in potentially dangerous edema (swelling).

Front

Similarity of Lymphatic and Blood Capillaries

Back

More permeable than blood capillaries since they lack a basement membrane.

Front

Difference 1 of Lymphatic Capillaries

Back

Formed from a single layer of simple squamous epithelium.

Front

Difference 2 of Lymphatic Capillaries

Back

Epithelial cells partially overlap to act as simple backflow valves.