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.
These nodes are found throughout the body (neck, armpits, groin, chest, and abdomen).
Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/MNPhotoStudios / Getty Images
This article explains the function of the lymphatic system, lymphatic diseases, and how to improve lymphatic health.
How Does the Lymphatic System Work?
The lymphatic system includes tissues, vessels, and organs that move fluid throughout the body and fight infection.
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.
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 online grid of lymph nodes.
There, it empties before returning the filtered lymph to your bloodstream.
Primary lymphatic organs produce immune cells calledlymphocytes, while secondary lymphatic organs fight off germs and harmful substances.
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.
These conditions include:
Cancer
Cancer of the lymphatic system is calledlymphoma.
It comes up whenever 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.
Lymphatic System and General Health
The lymphatic system directly impacts other systems of the body.
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.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you notice signs that your lymphatic system is not functioning optimally.
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.
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.
Lymphangiomatosis & Gorhams 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.
Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG).What are the organs of the immune system?
American Cancer Society.Key statistics for non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
