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Let's explain the lymphatic system

 

Why is the Lymphatic System Important?

Understanding the lymphatic system is critical for good health and providing appropriate patient care. It is a key component of the body's immunological and circulatory systems.   The lymphatic system is essential for combating infections, maintaining fluid balance, and eliminating toxins.

My first reaction to being diagnosed with lymphoedema was 'lymph what?' Like many people I thought I knew about lymph nodes 'they are related to cancer, aren't they?

Who remembers as a child their mother checking for swollen glands around their neck or jaw line to see if the area were swollen usually when you had a sore throat?  This action would determine if a trip to the GP was imminent for antibiotics, or you were packed off to school because Mum thought you weren't ill.  How many of us would know this simple action was checking part of the lymphatic system? Did you know these glands are your cervical lymph nodes? These are located in the neck area.

I first learned about the lymphatic system when I was sixty years old and began to realise that there existed a disease known as lymphoedema. A network of lymph vessels connects clusters of lymph nodes located throughout the body that make up the lymphatic system. Our general health is affected by the quality of our lymphatic system.

From the diagram see how the lymphatic system is connected to every aspect of our bodies.

Diagram of the lymphatic system
Diagram of the circulatory and lymphatic systems
An illustration showing the three transport systems of the human body. The image features three human figures side by side. The figure on the left represents veins, depicted in blue. The figure in the middle represents arteries, depicted in red. The figure on the right represents lymph vessels, depicted in green. Above the figures, the text reads 'The three transport systems of the body.' Below each figure, the respective labels 'Veins,' 'Arteries,' and 'Lymph Vessels' are written in blue, red, and green text, respectively."

 

Understanding the lymphatic and cardiovascular systems, particularly their functions in fluid balance, immune response, and nutrient absorption.

  • Lymphatic Fluid Movement: The lymphatic system collects fluid squeezed out by the heart's pumping action, returning it to circulation through a network of vessels without a dedicated pump, utilising valves and muscle contractions for one-way flow.

  • Cardiovascular System Function: The cardiovascular system pumps blood through vessels to deliver oxygen and nutrients to cells, with high pressure causing fluid to leak from capillaries, which is then collected by the lymphatic system.

  • Infection and Immune Response: The lymphatic system aids the immune system by transporting bacteria and macrophages to lymph nodes, where B and T cells can respond to infections, preventing bacteria from entering the bloodstream.

  • Nutrient Absorption: The lymphatic system also transports fats from the small intestine, packaged as chylomicrons, into the bloodstream, facilitated by specialised lymphatic vessels called lacteals.

  • Composition of Lymph: Lymph, derived from blood, contains water, proteins, and other small molecules but lacks red blood cells, with protein composition varying based on the body's location.

  • Overall Purpose of the Lymphatic System: The lymphatic system's three main functions are fluid balance, immune support, and transporting nutrients and waste products into the bloodstream.

This page was first published 2016

Last Updated 2025

Next review: 2026

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