LYMPHATIC VESSELS

• Lymphatic vessels - functions like a drainage system that picks up excess tissue fluid (lymph) and returns it to the blood
• Lymphatic Capillaries - a weave between the tissue cells and blood capillaries in the loose connective tissues of the body and absorb the leaked fluid
• Lymph nodes - filter lymph before it is returned to the blood
• Macrophages - engulf and destroy bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances in lymph
• Lymphocytes - respond to foreign substances in lymph
• Cortex (outer part of lymph nodes)

  • Contains follicles with dark staining centers called germinal centers, which enlarge when B cells generate plasma cells, which release antibodies
• Medulla (inner part) - contains phagocytic macrophages