#lymphatic system notes

Valvelike Openings -- form at the junction of adjacent endothelial cells -- endothelial cells loosely overlap -- overlapped cells separate to allow fluids to enter when fluid pressure increases outside -- when pressure increases inside the vessel, the cells tighten and hold the fluids inside

Anchoring Filaments -- attach the endothelial cells of the lymphatic vessels to surrounding collagen -- when interstitial fluid increases, anchoring filaments prevent endothelial cells from collapsing -- this keeps the endothelial cells open

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-- largest lymphatic organ

-- served by the splenic artery and vein

-- provides a site for lymphocyte proliferation, immune surveillance, immune response, and blood cleansing

-- spleen removes aged and defective formed elements

-- functions      -- stores products from the breakdown of red blood cells for later use      -- produces red blood cells in a developing fetus      -- stores platelets