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Related Concept Videos

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...
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...
Lymphoid Cells and Tissues01:18

Lymphoid Cells and Tissues

Lymphoid cells and tissues are integral to the immune system, which is crucial in maintaining our body's defense against harmful pathogens. They form the building blocks of lymphoid organs, which include the spleen, thymus, and lymph nodes.
Lymphoid cells consist of various types of immune system cells. These include B and T lymphocytes, which are responsible for producing antibodies and killing infected cells, respectively. Dendritic cells act as messengers between the innate and adaptive...
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...
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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Isolation of Human Lymphatic Endothelial Cells by Multi-parameter Fluorescence-activated Cell Sorting
07:36

Isolation of Human Lymphatic Endothelial Cells by Multi-parameter Fluorescence-activated Cell Sorting

Published on: May 1, 2015

Lung lymphatic anatomy and correlates.

Dean E Schraufnagel1

  • 1Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine M/C 719, University of Illinois at Chicago, 840 S. Wood St., Chicago, IL 60612-7323, United States.

Pathophysiology : the Official Journal of the International Society for Pathophysiology
|December 17, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Pulmonary lymphatics are crucial for lung defense and tissue repair, not just fluid balance. New research reveals diverse lymphatic structures and their role in immune cell maturation and potential therapeutic targets for lung diseases.

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Quantification of Tumor Cell Adhesion in Lymph Node Cryosections
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Quantification of Tumor Cell Adhesion in Lymph Node Cryosections

Published on: February 9, 2020

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Last Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Isolation of Human Lymphatic Endothelial Cells by Multi-parameter Fluorescence-activated Cell Sorting
07:36

Isolation of Human Lymphatic Endothelial Cells by Multi-parameter Fluorescence-activated Cell Sorting

Published on: May 1, 2015

Quantification of Tumor Cell Adhesion in Lymph Node Cryosections
06:09

Quantification of Tumor Cell Adhesion in Lymph Node Cryosections

Published on: February 9, 2020

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonary medicine
  • Immunology
  • Vascular biology

Background:

  • Pulmonary lymphatic vessels maintain lung fluid homeostasis.
  • They play a critical role in lung immunity and tissue repair.
  • Understanding lymphatic structure and function is key to treating lung diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the diverse morphology of pulmonary lymphatics.
  • To highlight the immunological functions of lung lymphatics.
  • To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting pulmonary lymphatic pathways.

Main Methods:

  • Lymphatic casting and scanning electron microscopy to visualize three-dimensional structures.
  • Identification and utilization of novel lymphatic markers.
  • Analysis of lymphatic system expansion in response to pathological conditions.

Main Results:

  • Distinct lymphatic forms identified: prelymphatics, reservoir lymphatics, and conduit lymphatics.
  • Pulmonary lymphatics actively participate in immune cell trafficking, maturation, and activation.
  • Lymphatic system size dynamically changes with fluid load, cancer, and inflammation.

Conclusions:

  • Pulmonary lymphatics are multifunctional, involved in fluid drainage, immune defense, and tissue cleaning.
  • Novel lymphatic markers facilitate the study of lymphatic development and disease.
  • Targeting pulmonary lymphatic pathways offers potential therapeutic strategies for lung cancer and post-transplant complications.