Lymphatic System

• Erythrocytes

  • No nuclei
  • Biconcave and elastic allowing them to squeeze through capillaries.
  • Contains haemoglobin.

  Functions:

  • Transport O2 as haemoglobin from lungs to cells
  • Transports CO2 as Carbaminohaemoglobin from cells to lungs.
• Leukocytes

  • Large nuclei
  • No fixed shape & can move between cells and cell walls.

  Functions:

  • Protect the body against infections
  • Produces antibodies
  • Accumulate in large numbers in areas of injury to prevent the spread of bacteria.
• Blood Platelets

  • No nuclei

  Function:

  • Plays role in blood clotting.
• Blood Plasma

  • Transport medium for hormones, blood cells, nutrients and gases.
  • Heat distribution throughout the body.
• Lymphs

  Tissue fluid that has entered the lymphatic system
• Blood in the arteries

  Flows at a higher pressure than in the veins
• Most blood plasma is forced through the capillary walls and lands between the cells
• Tissue fluid


  The blood between the cells
• Cells absorb and expel

  1. Absorb O2 and nutrients

  2. Expel CO2 back into the tissue fluid
• Lymphatic system


  A separate system of vessels that drains the tissue fluid and takes it back to the bloodstream
• Blood pressure is low in the lymphatic system as there is no pump organ
• Lymph nodes

  • Lymph glands that act as filters and trap foreign particles
  • Secrete white blood cells
• When there's an infection

  Lymph nodes swell due to the increase in white blood cells
• Functions of Lymphatic System

  • Prevents the accumulation of tissue fluid
  • Transports plasma proteins to the blood stream as its accumulation is life threatening.
  • Produce white blood cells and antibodies.