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

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
• 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

More general terms

• organ system

Additional terms

• lymphedema

Components

• deep parotid lymph node
• superficial parotid lymph node
• thoracic duct (Pecquet's duct, van Horne's canal)
• lacteal
• lymph vessel (lymphatic vessel)
• adenoids (pharyngeal/Luschka/third tonsils)
• palatine tonsil (faucial tonsil, tonsilla)
• thymus
• spleen
• lymph
• lymph node