2.03 Anticipation Guide: Lymphatic System Handout

right lymphatic duct

a short vessel that receives lymph from the right side of the head, neck, and thorax, the right arm, right lung, right side of the heart, and convex surface of the liver and that discharges it into the right subclavian vein at its junction with the right internal jugular vein.

tonsils

either of two small masses of lymphoid tissue in the throat, one on each side of the root of the tongue.

location of lymph nodes

head, neck, breast, axilla, inguinal, clavicle and popliteal areas

lymph nodes

small swellings in the lymphatic system where lymph is filtered and lymphocytes are formed

spleen

the largest lymphatic organ in the body

thoracic duct

the main lymphatic vessel that collects lymph and drains into the left subclavian vein

lymph vessels

thin walled, valved structures that carry lymph

lymph

a colorless fluid containing white blood cells, that bathes the tissues and drains through the lymphatic system into the bloodstream.

thymus gland

a lymphoid organ situated in the neck of vertebrates that produces T cells for the immune system. The human thymus becomes much smaller at the approach of puberty.