Anatomy / Physiology

Question

A classmate says that the lymphatic system should not be an organ system in its own right, and is a part of the cardiovascular system. Do you agree or disagree with your classmate? Explain your answer by using your knowledge of organ systems.

Answer 1

The lymphatic system is part of the cardiovascular system in that it returns cell free fluid-lymph-into the vasculature. However, it is part of other systems as well. It is part of the GI system as lipids are transferred from the intestinal epithelium into the lymphatic system, until proteins, sugars, micronutrients and ions which are transferred to the bloodstream. It is part of the immunologic system in that lymphatic fluid is filtered through the lymph nodes in which recognition and response to pathogens takes place. This also takes place in the spleen which is part of the lymphatic system, which also breaks down old red blood cells.

In summary, the lymphatic system is part of many other body systems, but has components distinct from those otter systems