HUMB1000 Lecture Notes - Lecture 13: Thoracic Duct, Loose Connective Tissue, Extracellular Fluid
3 Aug 2018
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Document Summary
Functions of the lymphatic system: fluid balance-excess interstitial fluid enters lymphatic capillaries and becomes lymph, lymph is than returned back to the venous network (30l from capillaries into interstitial fluid. 27l return leaving 3l as lymph: fat absorption- absorption of fat and other substances from digestive tract via lacteals, defense-fights infection, microorganisms and other foreign substances are filtered from lymph by lymph nodes and from blood by spleen. Consists of tubular network of draining vessels containing lymph fluid and various filtration points and some organs. Returns to circulatory system via veins; essential for fluid balance (if accumulates can be deadly) More permeable than blood capillaries because they have no basement membrane. Epithelium functions as series of one-way valves-blind ended. Found in all parts of the body except nervous system, bone and avascular tissues (without blood vessels - cornea, epidermis). Found in loose connective tissue that supports them and makes sure they are never shut.
