Final answer:
The right lymphatic duct drains the upper right side of the body, and the thoracic duct collects from the rest of the body. Lymph is filtered through lymph nodes via afferent vessels and exits via efferent vessels. Primary and secondary lymphoid tissues play different roles in maturation and immune response.
Step-by-step explanation:
The lymphatic system is a complex network that helps maintain fluid balance and participates in immune function. The right lymphatic duct receives lymph from the upper right side of the body, including the right side of the head, thorax, and right upper limb. Meanwhile, the thoracic duct collects lymph from the rest of the body, including the lower abdomen, pelvis, lower limbs, left side of the head, thorax, and left upper limb. Superficial lymphatics generally follow veins, while deep lymphatics follow arteries.
Lymph nodes, which house T and B cells, dendritic cells, and macrophages, act as filtration points. Lymph gathers antigens from tissues and is filtered through these lymph nodes before reentering circulation. The major routes for lymph to enter lymph nodes are afferent lymphatic vessels. The lymph is then filtered and exits the node via efferent lymphatic vessels.
The organization of immune function is divided into primary and secondary lymphoid tissues. Primary lymphoid tissue like bone marrow and the thymus house maturing lymphocytes. Secondary lymphoid tissues such as spleen and lymph nodes are where immune responses are often initiated. The spleen filters blood and captures pathogens, while lymph nodes filter lymph from nearby tissues.