Fun Trivia : Lymphatic System

Structure Sub-topic of: Human Body Quizzes Interesting Questions, Facts and Information There are a total of 10 general entries.

Interesting Questions, Facts, and Information

Lymphatic System

First of all, some basic lymphatic knowledge. What is the main function of the lymphatic system?

The Lymphatic System


to protect the body from diseases and remove waste products from the cells. The lymphatic system is composed of a series of vessels running throughout the body that carry white blood cells. This white blood cell substance, called lymph, fights infections and transfers waste products from the cells to the bloodstream (where they are eventually gotten rid of).



The lymphatic system includes 500 to 700 very small organs scattered throughout the body, connected by a series of vessels. What is the name given to these organs that are used to help remove waste products from the cells?

The Lymphatic System


lymph nodes. Although it is impossible to count exactly how many lymph nodes are in the body, it is estimated that there are about 500 to 700. Lymph nodes are scattered throughout the body, but there are large clusters of them in the neck, underarm, and groin areas.



The vessels that connect the lymph nodes together contain a clear fluid called lymph. The lymph circulates throughout the body and helps to get rid off extra fluid the body produces. Who was the first person to publish a book accurately explaining how the lymphatic system works?

The Lymphatic System


Thomas Bartholin. Thomas Bartholin was a seventeenth century Danish physician, and in 1652 he published a work that correctly described the lymphatic system. Michael Servetus and William Harvey made significant discoveries about the cardiovascular system, and Joseph Black was a pioneer in thermochemistry.



The spleen is an organ that plays an important role in the lymphatic system's disease fighting abilities. Where is the spleen located?

The Lymphatic System


the upper left side of the abdomen. The spleen is a spongy organ located in the upper left side of the abdomen, just underneath the left rib cage. Although a person can live without a spleen (if the spleen becomes damaged and has to be removed), that person runs a higher risk of getting a disease.



The spleen helps to fight infections by producing white blood cells. When the body detects that it is being invaded by a disease, the spleen releases the white blood cells into the blood stream to fight off the foreign attacker. What are these white blood cells called?

The Lymphatic System


lymphocytes. Lymphocytes fight off diseases by producing antibodies that neutralize the infection. Tetramers are a type of protein, isoantibodies are a type of antibody, and firmicutes are a type of bacteria.



The thymus is a two-lobed organ located in the upper chest, and its primary function is to mature lymphocytes (disease-fighting white blood cells) that help the body ward off illnesses. Does the thymus grow larger after puberty?

The Lymphatic System


no. The thymus actually grows smaller after puberty. This is because the thymus produces more lymphocytes than the body needs during childhood, so that by the time of puberty the body has compiled a stock of them. Therefore, the thymus can be removed with little effect in an adult, but removing the thymus in a child can seriously compromise their ability to fight infection.



In addition to maturing lymphocytes, the thymus produces a hormone called thymosin. What is one function of this hormone?

The Lymphatic System


to promote lymphocyte production in other lymphatic organs. The thymus releases the thymosin hormone into the rest of the lymphatic system, encouraging growth of new lymphocytes. This, in turn, leads to to body being able to fight off diseases more efficiently.



The bone marrow plays an important role in the lymphatic system. Red bone marrow produces immature lymphocytes, which are then transferred to the thymus to be matured. How do the lymphocytes travel from the bone marrow to the thymus?

The Lymphatic System


through the blood stream. After the bone marrow produces immature lymphocytes, it releases them into the blood stream to be carried to the thymus for maturation. When a person has an illness in which bone marrow is destroyed, that person's immune system is considerably weakened because of the sudden lack of disease-fighting white blood cells.