Lymphatic System - NCLEX-PN

T-cell maturation occurs in the thymus, a small organ located in the upper part of the mediastinum, between the heart and the sternum. Mature T cells then may either circulate in the lymph or blood or reside in lymph nodes. The spleen is not a site of T cell maturation, though it does have other important immune functions, such as the production of antibodies and the removal of antibody-coated pathogens. The cisterna chyli is a part of the lymphatic system that is involved in lipid digestion.

Dietary fat is absorbed via lacteals, small lymph vessels contained within the body of the intestinal villi. Microvilli, tiny projections covering the surface of the villi, help with the absorption of minerals, vitamins, and other micronutrients. The cisterna chyli is a dilated pouch at the lower end of the thoracic duct that serves as a collection point for fatty chyle from the intestinal lacteals.

The lymphatic system has several roles in the body, including drainage of interstitial fluid from tissues, transportation and activation of lymphocytes, and absorption and transportation of dietary fats. Red blood cells, however, are unable to enter lymph vessels, and so the lymphatic system does not participate in any type of gas exchange.

T-cell maturation occurs in the thymus, a small organ located in the upper part of the mediastinum, between the heart and the sternum. Mature T cells then may either circulate in the lymph or blood or reside in lymph nodes. The spleen is not a site of T cell maturation, though it does have other important immune functions, such as the production of antibodies and the removal of antibody-coated pathogens. The cisterna chyli is a part of the lymphatic system that is involved in lipid digestion.

Dietary fat is absorbed via lacteals, small lymph vessels contained within the body of the intestinal villi. Microvilli, tiny projections covering the surface of the villi, help with the absorption of minerals, vitamins, and other micronutrients. The cisterna chyli is a dilated pouch at the lower end of the thoracic duct that serves as a collection point for fatty chyle from the intestinal lacteals.