Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Detailed Structure and Function of Lymph Nodes01:23

Detailed Structure and Function of Lymph Nodes

Lymph nodes are bean-shaped structures that cluster along the lymphatic vessels in the inguinal, axillary, and cervical regions. Each node is divided into compartments by a capsule that extends trabeculae inward.
From a histological perspective, lymph nodes can be split into two main areas: the superficial cortex and the deep medulla. The outer cortex is populated by dendritic cells, macrophages, and B lymphocytes, which are densely packed into follicles. When these B-lymphocytes are presented...
Lymphatic Vessels and Lymph Transport01:16

Lymphatic Vessels and Lymph Transport

Lymphatic vessels, known as lymphatics, are crucial in transporting lymph from peripheral tissues to our venous system. This process begins with lymph entering through tiny capillaries that branch through tissues. These capillaries have unique features such as larger diameters, thinner walls, and a distinctive one-way valve system formed by overlapping endothelial cells.
This one-way system allows fluids, solutes, and even pathogens to enter but prevents their return to the intercellular spaces.
Development of the Lymphatic System01:15

Development of the Lymphatic System

The development of lymphatic tissues and vessels in embryonic life begins around the fifth week. These structures originate from the mesoderm layer, with lymph sacs emerging from developing veins.
The first lymph sacs to form are the paired jugular lymph sacs located at the junction of the internal jugular and subclavian veins. From these sacs, lymphatic capillary plexuses extend to the thorax, upper limbs, neck, and head, eventually forming lymphatic vessels. Each jugular lymph sac maintains a...
Functions of the Lymphatic and Immune System01:28

Functions of the Lymphatic and Immune System

The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in bolstering our immune system. It consists of a network of lymphoid organs, lymph, and lymphatic vessels that provide structural and functional support in safeguarding the body against pathogens such as viruses and bacteria.
The primary lymphoid organs, including the bone marrow and the thymus, serve as the maturation sites for lymphocytes. Secondary lymphoid organs, like the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, activate these lymphocytes and serve as...
Secondary Lymphoid Organs01:15

Secondary Lymphoid Organs

Secondary organs, including lymph nodes, the spleen, and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT), work harmoniously to protect us from disease and infection.
The spleen is a vital organ in the lymphatic system, nestled in the upper left side of the abdomen. It is composed of two primary regions: the red pulp and the white pulp, each having distinct functions. The red pulp performs a significant role in blood filtration. It efficiently purges the blood of old or damaged red blood cells and...
Introduction to Lymphatic and Immune System01:23

Introduction to Lymphatic and Immune System

Immunity is a crucial biological concept about our body's inherent capacity to prevent infections and diseases. A complex network of cells and tissues collectively known as the immune system facilitates this natural defense mechanism. The immune system plays an integral role in maintaining our health and well-being, shielding us from potential health threats.
The immune responses can be categorized into two types: innate and adaptive. Innate immunity comprises nonspecific defenses we are born...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

A comparative study of organoid-derived and cell line-derived intestinal epithelial models.

PloS one·2026
Same author

Antigen-specific IgG glycosylation profiles in hamsters and macaques following COVID-19 vaccination.

iScience·2026
Same author

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase δ activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Frontiers in immunology·2026
Same author

TLR ligand sensing by lymph node FRCs directs intranodal lymphocyte accumulation to promote immune responses.

iScience·2025
Same author

Enhanced MHC Class-II Expression in Fibroblastic Reticular Cells Associates with Maturation.

European journal of immunology·2025
Same author

Integration of lymphatic vasculature to a human lymph node-on-chip enhances physiological immune properties.

Materials today. Bio·2025

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 30, 2026

Blocking Lymph Flow by Suturing Afferent Lymphatic Vessels in Mice
05:59

Blocking Lymph Flow by Suturing Afferent Lymphatic Vessels in Mice

Published on: May 14, 2020

The conduit system of the lymph node.

Ramon Roozendaal1, Reina E Mebius, Georg Kraal

  • 1Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Vrije University (VU) Medical Center, PO Box 7057, 1007MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

International Immunology
|October 1, 2008
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Lymph node conduits act as molecular sieves, controlling molecule entry and supporting immune cell interactions. This system is crucial for antigen sampling and immune response initiation.

More Related Videos

Isolation of Murine Lymph Node Stromal Cells
05:47

Isolation of Murine Lymph Node Stromal Cells

Published on: August 19, 2014

Visualizing Lymph Node Structure and Cellular Localization using Ex-Vivo Confocal Microscopy
07:40

Visualizing Lymph Node Structure and Cellular Localization using Ex-Vivo Confocal Microscopy

Published on: August 9, 2019

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 30, 2026

Blocking Lymph Flow by Suturing Afferent Lymphatic Vessels in Mice
05:59

Blocking Lymph Flow by Suturing Afferent Lymphatic Vessels in Mice

Published on: May 14, 2020

Isolation of Murine Lymph Node Stromal Cells
05:47

Isolation of Murine Lymph Node Stromal Cells

Published on: August 19, 2014

Visualizing Lymph Node Structure and Cellular Localization using Ex-Vivo Confocal Microscopy
07:40

Visualizing Lymph Node Structure and Cellular Localization using Ex-Vivo Confocal Microscopy

Published on: August 9, 2019

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Lymphatic System Research

Background:

  • Lymph nodes possess a lymphoid compartment impermeable to many molecules from afferent lymphatic vessels.
  • Fibroblast reticular cells form an interconnected network, the conduit system, within the lymphoid compartment.
  • This conduit system supports lymphocytes and antigen-presenting cells structurally.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the function of the lymph node conduit system as a molecular sieve.
  • To understand the role of the conduit system in antigen transport and immune cell interactions.
  • To investigate the mechanisms of fluid distribution regulated by the conduit system.

Main Methods:

  • The study focuses on the structural and functional analysis of the fibroblast reticular cell network (conduit system) in lymph nodes.
  • Investigated the size-exclusion properties of the conduit system for molecules and particles.
  • Examined the interaction of dendritic cells and lymphocytes within the conduit system.
  • Explored the transport of chemokines and cytokines via the conduit system.

Main Results:

  • The conduit system functions as a molecular sieve, allowing only small molecules and particles, including antigens, to flow through.
  • Dendritic cells sample antigens from the conduit system for presentation to lymphocytes, potentially initiating immune responses.
  • Lymphocytes and dendritic cells actively move and interact along the conduit system, possibly influenced by transported chemokines and cytokines.
  • The conduit system plays a role in fluid distribution between afferent lymphatics and blood, though mechanisms are under investigation.

Conclusions:

  • The lymph node conduit system is critical for regulating molecular traffic and facilitating immune surveillance.
  • Size exclusion by the conduit system may prevent pathogen entry into the bloodstream.
  • The conduit system is a key site for antigen presentation and immune cell communication, essential for initiating adaptive immunity.