General and Sports Anatomy - L.V. Kapilevich, K.V. Davletyarova 2008

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The Lymphatic System

The system of lymphatic capillaries, Lymphatic vessels, lymphatic trunks, lymphatic ducts, and Lymph Nodes.

Functions: cleansing, evacuation, barrier, pooling, and Lymph formation.

Lymphatic capillaries.

Smaller in diameter than vessels, approximately 10–200 µm. They are absent in the Brain, Spleen, Skin, and Liver. They lack a basement membrane, consisting only of epithelium and projections (villi) extending both inward and outward into the Connective Tissue. Larger molecules enter lymphatic capillaries than can pass into the bloodstream.

Lymphatic vessels.

They feature epithelial outgrowths—Valves—that prevent backflow. Classified as superficial, deep, muscular, and non-muscular.

Lymph nodes.

Form groups totaling approximately 50. The largest include: axillary, brachial, cubital, inguinal, popliteal, hepatic, splenic, pancreatic, and cervical nodes.

Covered by a connective tissue capsule from which septa (trabeculae) extend inward.

Cortex contains lymphoid follicles; medulla contains medullary cords.

Sinuses: subcapsular (marginal), intermediate (along the trabeculae), and medullary (hilar).

Afferent vessels empty into the marginal sinus, while efferent vessels emerge from the hilar sinus.

Main function—acts as a filter—90% phagocytosis of Bacteria and foreign bodies.

Lymph is a transparent fluid with a high protein content (0.5–4.5%) and lymphocytes. As it passes through the nodes, it becomes enriched with protein.



Last update: 08/08/2026

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