Difference between Cardiovascular and Lymphatic System

Cardiovascular System

The cardiovascular system circulates blood with the help of blood vessels and the heart. The blood vessels include elastic arteries, veins and capillaries. It is a closed circulatory system in most vertebrates. This system helps in carrying oxygen and nutrients. Also, it carries waste products away for disposal. The term cardiovascular system is interchangeably used with the circulatory system.

The functioning of the circulatory system can be affected by CVD (cardiovascular disease). This involves ailment in blood vessels or the heart.

Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system is a sub-circulatory system that works together with the immune system. It is a type of open circulatory system. This lymphatic system carries the body fluid called the lymph. Lymph is something similar to the plasma of the blood. It contains proteins as well as cellular debris. The system is composed of lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, lymphoid tissue and lymphatic organs.

The lymphatic system plays a vital role in immune response and fat absorption. The lymphatic vessels have lacteals or lymph capillaries that absorbs dietary fats in the small intestine region. They also have lymphocytes that help to create an immune response.

Difference between Cardiovascular and Lymphatic System

Cardiovascular System

Lymphatic System

The cardiovascular system carries blood.

The lymphatic system carries body fluid/lymph.

It is a type of closed circulation.

It is a type of open circulation.

This system includes blood vessels and the heart.

This includes lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, lymphoid tissue and lymphatic organs.

It has arteries and veins.

It has lymphatic capillaries (no arteries and veins).

It carries nutrients, oxygen to the tissues and also waste products away for disposal.

It plays a vital role in immune response and fat absorption.

Cardiovascular diseases include heart failure, myocardial infarction, stroke, etc.

Lymphatic diseases include lymphedema, castleman’s disease, etc.

Also Read: Difference between Blood and Lymph

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1

What is an open and closed circulatory system?

In the open circulatory system, the blood or fluid flows freely through body cavities as there are no arteries and veins. In the closed circulatory system, the blood vessels help to conduct the blood. The former is seen in most invertebrates, and the latter is seen in vertebrates.

Q2

What is a lymphocyte?

It is a type of WBC (white blood cell) that helps in the immune response. Lymphocytes include T cells, B cells, natural killer cells, etc. They are the major type of cells found in the body fluid or lymph.

Q3

What are the two types of circulation involving the cardiovascular system?

The two types of circulation are systemic and pulmonary. The pulmonary circuit of the cardiovascular system helps in taking deoxygenated blood to the lungs. From there, it is oxygenated and supplied to the left atrium. The systemic circuit delivers this oxygenated blood to the body and brings back deoxygenated blood to the right atrium.

Explore: Composition and Function of Lymph in Humans

Keep exploring BYJU’S Biology for more exciting topics

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