Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow Does the Lymphatic System Work?Lymphatic System OrgansLymphatic DiseasesLymphatic System and General HealthCaring for Your Lymphatic SystemFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
How Does the Lymphatic System Work?
Lymphatic System Organs
Lymphatic Diseases
Lymphatic System and General Health
Caring for Your Lymphatic System
Frequently Asked Questions
Thelymphaticsystem (also called the lymphoid system) is part of the immune system. The system moves lymph, a clear fluid containingwhite blood cells, through your bloodstream.
The lymphatic system involves many organs, including the tonsils, adenoids, spleen, and thymus.Lymph nodesfilter out bacteria and cancer cells and create white blood cells to fight infection. These nodes are found throughout the body (neck, armpits, groin, chest, and abdomen).
This article explains the function of the lymphatic system, lymphatic diseases, and how to improve lymphatic health.
Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/MNPhotoStudios / Getty Images
The lymphatic system includes tissues, vessels, and organs that move fluid throughout the body and fight infection. When excess plasma (the liquid portion of blood) collects in your body’s tissues, the lymphatic system collects it and moves it back into your bloodstream.
PlasmaPlasma is the liquid component of blood. It makes up 55% of your blood. Red and white blood cells and platelets, suspended in the plasma, make up the remaining portion.
Plasma
Plasma is the liquid component of blood. It makes up 55% of your blood. Red and white blood cells and platelets, suspended in the plasma, make up the remaining portion.
Fighting Infection Starts With Lymph
Lymph is made up of more than plasma. The excess fluid that drains from your cells and tissues is made of many substances, including:
From Your Tissues to Your Lymph Nodes
Lymphatic vessels are tiny blood vessels and tubes that move lymph from tissues to lymph nodes, which filter out damaged and cancer-causing cells. In addition, the lymph nodes createimmune cellsto fight infection and other harmful substances it detects in the fluid.
You have about 600 lymph nodes in your body. Lymphatic vessels connect this network of lymph nodes.
Through Lymphatic Vessels to Collecting Ducts
Once the lymph passes through the lymph nodes, it continues through the lymphatic vessels until it reaches the collecting ducts. There, it empties before returning the filtered lymph to your bloodstream.
In addition to lymph, lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, and collecting ducts, many organs are involved in the lymphatic system. Primary lymphatic organs produce immune cells calledlymphocytes, while secondary lymphatic organs fight off germs and harmful substances.
Primary lymphatic organs include:
Secondary lymphatic organs include:
6 Ways to Boost Your Immune System Naturally
When the lymphatic system malfunctions, some diseases or disorders can occur. These complications can range from infections to blockages to cancer.
Blockage
A blockage in the lymphatic system often leads to fluid buildup. In addition, blockages can result from scar tissue from surgery, injury, or infection. Examples of disorders associated with blockage include:
Inflammation and Infection
Infection and inflammation can lead to problems with the lymphatic system. These include:
Congenital or Genetic Conditions
Sometimes malfunctions of the lymphatic system occur when you are born. These conditions include:
Cancer
Cancer of the lymphatic system is calledlymphoma. It occurs when lymphocytes multiply in the body uncontrollably. There are two categories of lymphoma:Hodgkin lymphomaandnon-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is one of the most common cancers in the U.S. It makes up about 4% of all cancers.
The lymphatic system directly impacts other systems of the body. These include:
Your exposure to certain things can impact the lymphatic system. Therefore, there are some ways that you can support a healthy lymphatic system, including:
The lymphatic system is passive. It doesn’t have the heart pumping fluid through it or valves (such as in the veins) to prevent the backflow of fluid. It relies on muscle contractions, movement, massage, and gravity (such as elevating the arms or legs) to aid in lymphatic drainage.
When to See a Healthcare ProviderIf you notice unusual swelling or extreme fatigue, it’s a good idea to contact your healthcare provider to have them evaluate your situation.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If you notice unusual swelling or extreme fatigue, it’s a good idea to contact your healthcare provider to have them evaluate your situation.
Summary
The lymphatic system is part of the immune and circulatory systems. It is responsible for moving excess fluid, called lymph, out of tissues and back through the body. During this process, the lymph travels through the lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, and collecting ducts before cycling back through the body.
Drinking lots of water, eating nourishing food, and getting enough movement can help your lymphatic system flow as it should. Talk to your healthcare provider if you notice signs that your lymphatic system is not functioning optimally.
Frequently Asked QuestionsThe organs of the lymphatic system include bone marrow, thymus, spleen, tonsils, lymph nodes, and mucous membranes.A lymphatic system “detox” involves doing certain things to help your lymphatic system drain more effectively. However, there is not a lot of evidence to support the practice. Some simple, healthy things to try include staying well-hydrated, eating nourishing food, and getting adequate exercise.Learn MoreUnderstanding Lymph ToxinsIf your lymphatic system is blocked, the fluid buildup may result in swelling in your soft tissues. Often this occurs in the arms and legs. It most often occurs in people who have undergone cancer treatment.Learn MoreCompression for Lymphedema
The organs of the lymphatic system include bone marrow, thymus, spleen, tonsils, lymph nodes, and mucous membranes.
A lymphatic system “detox” involves doing certain things to help your lymphatic system drain more effectively. However, there is not a lot of evidence to support the practice. Some simple, healthy things to try include staying well-hydrated, eating nourishing food, and getting adequate exercise.Learn MoreUnderstanding Lymph Toxins
A lymphatic system “detox” involves doing certain things to help your lymphatic system drain more effectively. However, there is not a lot of evidence to support the practice. Some simple, healthy things to try include staying well-hydrated, eating nourishing food, and getting adequate exercise.
Learn MoreUnderstanding Lymph Toxins
If your lymphatic system is blocked, the fluid buildup may result in swelling in your soft tissues. Often this occurs in the arms and legs. It most often occurs in people who have undergone cancer treatment.Learn MoreCompression for Lymphedema
If your lymphatic system is blocked, the fluid buildup may result in swelling in your soft tissues. Often this occurs in the arms and legs. It most often occurs in people who have undergone cancer treatment.
Learn MoreCompression for Lymphedema
11 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Lymph system.Lymphangiomatosis & Gorham’s Disease Alliance.The lymphatic system.The American Red Cross.The importance of plasma in blood.Liao S, von der Weid PY.Lymphatic system: an active pathway for immune protection.Semin Cell Dev Biol. 2015;38:83-89.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Lymphadenitis.Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG).What are the organs of the immune system?MedlinePlus.Lymphangitis.Merck Manual.Intestinal lymphangiectasia.American Cancer Society.Key statistics for non-Hodgkin lymphoma.Aspelund A, Robciuc MR, Karaman S, Makinen T, Alitalo K.Lymphatic system in cardiovascular medicine.Circ Res.2016;118(3):515-530. doi:10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.115.306544MedlinePlus.Immune system and disorders.
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Lymph system.Lymphangiomatosis & Gorham’s Disease Alliance.The lymphatic system.The American Red Cross.The importance of plasma in blood.Liao S, von der Weid PY.Lymphatic system: an active pathway for immune protection.Semin Cell Dev Biol. 2015;38:83-89.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Lymphadenitis.Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG).What are the organs of the immune system?MedlinePlus.Lymphangitis.Merck Manual.Intestinal lymphangiectasia.American Cancer Society.Key statistics for non-Hodgkin lymphoma.Aspelund A, Robciuc MR, Karaman S, Makinen T, Alitalo K.Lymphatic system in cardiovascular medicine.Circ Res.2016;118(3):515-530. doi:10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.115.306544MedlinePlus.Immune system and disorders.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Lymph system.Lymphangiomatosis & Gorham’s Disease Alliance.The lymphatic system.The American Red Cross.The importance of plasma in blood.Liao S, von der Weid PY.Lymphatic system: an active pathway for immune protection.Semin Cell Dev Biol. 2015;38:83-89.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Lymphadenitis.Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG).What are the organs of the immune system?MedlinePlus.Lymphangitis.Merck Manual.Intestinal lymphangiectasia.American Cancer Society.Key statistics for non-Hodgkin lymphoma.Aspelund A, Robciuc MR, Karaman S, Makinen T, Alitalo K.Lymphatic system in cardiovascular medicine.Circ Res.2016;118(3):515-530. doi:10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.115.306544MedlinePlus.Immune system and disorders.
MedlinePlus.Lymph system.
Lymphangiomatosis & Gorham’s Disease Alliance.The lymphatic system.
The American Red Cross.The importance of plasma in blood.
Liao S, von der Weid PY.Lymphatic system: an active pathway for immune protection.Semin Cell Dev Biol. 2015;38:83-89.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Lymphadenitis.
Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG).What are the organs of the immune system?
MedlinePlus.Lymphangitis.
Merck Manual.Intestinal lymphangiectasia.
American Cancer Society.Key statistics for non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Aspelund A, Robciuc MR, Karaman S, Makinen T, Alitalo K.Lymphatic system in cardiovascular medicine.Circ Res.2016;118(3):515-530. doi:10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.115.306544
MedlinePlus.Immune system and disorders.
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