Concept explainers
To identify: The structures that comprise the lymphatic system and their general functions.
Concept introduction: A complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that works together to protect the body and fight against pathogens or foreign substances are collectively known as immune system. Lymphatic system consists of a network of vessels, tissues, and ducts that carry a clear fluid (lymph) to all body parts.

Explanation of Solution
The lymphatic system is an essential part of the immune system that consists of lymphatic vessels and lymphoid tissue, which includes pharyngeal tonsils, palatine, spleen, lymph nodes, bone marrow, and thymus gland.
Organs of lymphatic system:
Primary lymphoid organs
- Bone marrow:
The bone marrow is a spongy tissue found in the center of bones (cancellous or spongy). This organ is an important site for the production of blood cells (hematopoiesis). It is the major site where B lymphocytes mature.
- Thymus:
The thymus is the primary lymphoid organ. It is situated in the neck of vertebrates. Two identical lobes are found in the thymus. They are located in the anterior superior mediastinum, behind the sternum and in front of the heart. The thymus plays a crucial role in the mechanism of immunity against infections. Before birth, they are the final site for the development of lymphocytes. It secretes hormones after birth, which facilitate the formation of mature T-lymphocytes. These T-lymphocytes help to attack the foreign cells and act as regulators for the immune system.
Secondary lymphoid organs
- Spleen:
Spleen is the secondary lymphoid organ. It is an organ that is present in the upper left part of the abdomen. It helps to remove particulate matter and filter blood. It helps to remove antibody-coated bacteria and blood cells from the lymph node circulation by producing antibodies in its white pulp. This organ has many functions. They are as follows:
- Defense: The spleen is the site for phagocytic clearance of the bloodstream. The microbes are eliminated from the blood by macrophages and they are destroyed through phagocytosis process.
- Hematopoiesis: The spleen can act as a hematopoietic organ. The maturation and activation of lymphocytes and monocytes occur in the spleen. The erythrocytes are also produced in the spleen after birth.
- Blood reservoir: The spleen has a large amount of blood in venous sinuses and in pulp.
- Red blood cell and platelet destruction: These functions are mediated by macrophages. This organ destroys the platelets and old erythrocytes in the spleen through phagocytosis process.
- Lymph nodes:
The lymph nodes are the secondary lymphoid organs present in the immune system. The lymph nodes are small glands that are situated throughout the body and are linked with the help of lymphatic vessels. These organs are the main resident sites of B and T lymphocytes. These organs act as a defense system. Before entering circulation, they filter the foreign particles from the lymph fluid. The lymph nodes are concentrated with lymphocytes (B-lymphocyte, T-lymphocyte, and other white blood cells) that assess for the presence of foreign pathogenic materials like bacteria, virus, or
fungi . - Tonsils:
Tonsils are soft tissues that are present in the lymphatic system. The pharyngeal and palatine tonsils contain lymphoid tissue which is present at the back of the throat. The tonsils can serve as sentinels that protect the lungs and
digestive system from bacterial infection. They are the first line of defense during the attack of foreign organisms; thus, cause infections (tonsillitis).
Want to see more full solutions like this?
Chapter 11 Solutions
EBK GOULD'S PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FOR THE HEA
- Discuss Hypertension under the following headings: Definition Diagnosis Non-pharmacological intervention Drugs Classification Management of a Hypertensive emergencyarrow_forwardExplain how the answer could be 2 or 1.8 WITHOUT changing the questionarrow_forwardoverview of the neurological system, cranial nerves and what part of the body it innervatesarrow_forward
- differentiate structure and function of the peripheral vascular system. what are the normal and abnormal findings of the peripheral arterioles and peripheral venous systemarrow_forwardAn overview of the skin, hair and nails epidermal appendages normal and abnormal findingsarrow_forwarddifferentiate the twelve cranial nerves and how to test themarrow_forward
- What are the nursing interventions for patients with GI problems ? What is the priority ?arrow_forwardAdult Nutrition Assessment Date of consultation: 3/2/25 Reason for Nutrition Assessment: Mrs. Clover was referred to the RD from the ER physician; patient experiencing weight loss, SOB & Edema Nutrition Assessment Data 69 YOF Ht 157 cm, Wt 53 kg. BMI 21.7 Usual wt 55 kg Heart: slight physiologic murmur; lungs: clear; extremities: 3+ edema to bilateral lower legs; elevated BP, abdomen: soft, nontender, active bowel sounds; neurologic: unremarkable; skin: diminished skin tugor. Biochemical Data BUN 72, Creatinine 4.6, Calcium 7.2, Phosphorus 7.3, glucose 105, BNP 720, Albumin 2.0, Na 125, K 3.3, CI 93. Hgb 11.5, Hct 33.2, ALT 29, AST 36, Alkaline phosphatase 120, other relevant labs pending result. Medications Include inhalers, Cymbalta, Neurontin, Seroquel, and topiramate, prilosec, solumedrol, rocephin, zithromax, NaCl 0.45%+50 MEQ sodium bicarbonate @100 ml/hr. No history of herbal supplements. Since her pneumonia diagnosis several days ago, she has felt too weak to prepare meals, she…arrow_forwardAssuming you are a community health nurse, choose a community of your own and perform practically the following and report your findings: a. Community Assessment b. Community Diagnosisarrow_forward
- Describe practically how you would use a standing order in the diagnosis and treatment of a 10-year-old primary school pupil with a complaint of haematuria at the end of the urine.arrow_forwardSimple explanations, please. B. Why is an accurate diagnosis of malnutrition important? H. Is BMI a food indicator of malnutrition? I. Can an overweight/obese patient develop malnutrition? Why or why not?arrow_forwardHow is the severity of malnutrition determined based off the table? Simple explanation please.arrow_forward
- Phlebotomy EssentialsNursingISBN:9781451194524Author:Ruth McCall, Cathee M. Tankersley MT(ASCP)Publisher:JONES+BARTLETT PUBLISHERS, INC.Gould's Pathophysiology for the Health Profession...NursingISBN:9780323414425Author:Robert J Hubert BSPublisher:SaundersFundamentals Of NursingNursingISBN:9781496362179Author:Taylor, Carol (carol R.), LYNN, Pamela (pamela Barbara), Bartlett, Jennifer L.Publisher:Wolters Kluwer,
- Fundamentals of Nursing, 9eNursingISBN:9780323327404Author:Patricia A. Potter RN MSN PhD FAAN, Anne Griffin Perry RN EdD FAAN, Patricia Stockert RN BSN MS PhD, Amy Hall RN BSN MS PhD CNEPublisher:Elsevier ScienceStudy Guide for Gould's Pathophysiology for the H...NursingISBN:9780323414142Author:Hubert BS, Robert J; VanMeter PhD, Karin C.Publisher:SaundersIssues and Ethics in the Helping Professions (Min...NursingISBN:9781337406291Author:Gerald Corey, Marianne Schneider Corey, Cindy CoreyPublisher:Cengage Learning





