Review: Lymphatic System

Here is what we have learned from Lymphatic System:

• The major components of the lymphatic system are lymphatic vessels, lymph, lymph nodes, and some other lymphatic organs.
• Lymphatic vessels carry lymph, a colorless liquid, throughout the body.
• Lymph nodes are small bean-shaped glandular nodules.
• Tonsils are clusters of lymphatic tissues under the mucous membranes that line the nose, mouth, and pharynx.
• Spleen is similar to a lymph node in shape and structure but it is much larger.
• Thymus is another lymphatic organ located anterior to the ascending aorta and posterior to the sternum.
• For the purpose of staging of Hodgkin lymphoma, lymph nodes of the body are divided into two anatomical regions: those above the diaphragm and those below it.
• Lymph chains and their drainage areas of the body were shown in a dozen of illustrations. They are: lymph nodes of the head and neck, lymph nodes of the breast and arm, thoracic lymph nodes, abdominal lymph nodes, lymph nodes of the pelvis, and lymph nodes of the lower extremity.