Have you ever heard of the lymphatic system? Do you know how it works in your body?
Your lymphatic system is a vital component of your immune system. It is a network of tissues, vessels, and organs all over your body that work tirelessly to protect you from harmful pathogens.
We all know the cardiovascular system, well your lymphatic system works with your cardiovascular system to keep you healthy.
In this article, you will learn the functions of your lymphatic system and explore how it supports your immune system. From filtering out toxins and waste products to fighting harmful pathogens, your lymphatic system acts as an efficient sewerage system, keeping your body clean and free from infections.
This also means that an impaired lymphatic system will weaken your immune system, making you vulnerable to infections.
Some diseases may affect your lymphatic system functions. You can learn more about 5 of these lymphatic system diseases here.
Before we dive into the functions of the lymphatic system, let’s find out what it is made of.
The lymphatic system consists of:
The bone marrow
Bone marrow is not a lymphatic tissue, but a substance inside your bones that is part of the lymphatic system. Bone marrow produces white blood cells that fight infections in your body.
The spleen
The spleen is situated behind your left rib. It filters your blood by fighting germs and removing damaged red blood cells and platelets. The spleen also produces white blood cells, which fight infections.
Tonsils
Tonsils are two round soft tissues situated at the back of your mouth. They produce antibodies and can protect you against germs that enter your body through your mouth and your nose.
The thymus
The thymus is a gland situated behind your breastbone. It secretes hormones and is the site of maturation of the T cells.
Lymph nodes
They are small bean-shaped tissues situated along your lymphatic vessels; in your armpit, behind your ears, at the back of your head, on the sides of your neck, under your jaw and chin, and in the groin.
Your lymph nodes receive the lymphatic fluid from your lymphatic vessels, filter it then send it away through lymphatic vessels to the lymph ducts.
Lymphatic vessels
A network of thin tubes that carry lymph and white blood cells to the lymph nodes and from the lymph nodes to the lymph ducts.
Now, let’s dive into the different functions of your lymphatic system;
The Functions of The Lymphatic System
- Your lymphatic system acts as a drainage system – It collects the lymph, a colourless fluid, that has leaked from the blood vessels into the tissues and empties it back into the bloodstream via the lymph nodes. This helps to maintain fluid balance in your body.
- Your lymphatic system fights infections – It contains white blood cells, commonly known as lymphocytes. These cells are responsible for combating infection by identifying and eliminating harmful pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances.
- Your lymphatic system gets rid of any waste that cells make – The lymphatic vessels absorb waste products, cellular debris, and toxins from your body’s tissues. The lymph nodes then filter and process the waste materials, which are then broken down and eliminated from your body.
- Your lymphatic system helps your body absorb fats — It absorbs fluid containing large molecules of fats and fat-soluble vitamins in your intestines. These molecules are too large to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream. Your lymphatic vessels then absorb them from the intestines and transport them to your bloodstream.
Because your lymphatic system plays such crucial roles in keeping you healthy. It is important to care for it to optimize your immune system. Check out this article about nine ways to keep a healthy lymphatic system.