Function of the lymphatic System

The lymphatic system is a group of vessels that collect lymph and return this liquid back to the circulatory system
The lymphatic system absorbs and transports lymph. Lymph is a clear fluid that is a result of plasma leaking out of capillaries.As plasma moves out of capillaries, some of it is not reabsorbed. You lose around three liters of the plasma a day. The lymphatic system reabsorbs lose fluid.
If you look at this cross section of a tissue you can notice how the lymphatic vessel is located near the vein.
Once this plasma that has leaked out of capillaries and enters lymphatic vessels it is called lymph
Lymph also includes protein and cellular debris which are too large to be collected by veins and capillaries.

The lymphatic vessels have smooth muscle and valves that help move the lymph throughout your body.


Once lymph enters vessels it is then transported to lymph nodes that act as “filtering stations” in the body.

In the lymph nodes, cells from the body’s natural defense system, called lymphocytes, help fight bacteria and viruses.

These nodes are located throughout your body.

including under each arm, your hips, and in your abdomen.

Lymphatic tissue is also found in other areas of the body including the tonsils, spleen, intestinal wall, and bone marrow.

How does the lymphatic system help you?

Lymph nodes are responsible for filtering lymph and provide part of the immune response Lymphocytes found at these nodes help fight the pathogens that are in the lymph.

If these 3 liters of blood fluid was not returned to the blood vessels you would have a drop in blood pressure and less oxygen delivery and less removal of wastes.

The tonsils, spleen, and lymphatic tissue found in your abdomen are additional checkpoints that look out for disease-causing pathogens that have entered your body.

The lymphatic system also helps with the absorption of fats and fat-soluble nutrients in the digestive system.

The lymphatic system has special small vessels called lacteals that are responsible for taking up fats and fat-soluble nutrients.