Nearly 20 litres of blood plasma are filtered through capillaries daily to bathe and nourish the body’s cells. The lymphatic system processes almost 20% of this fluid, which seeps from capillaries and cells. This tissue fluid travels primarily through the veins and returns to the heart.
| Fact: There are 400–800 lymph nodes in the body, and they constantly check and filter the lymph to eliminate pathogens, waste, and toxins. |
Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is a complex network of tubes, tissues, and organs that is a part of the circulatory system in the vertebrate body.
The lymphatic system removes extra fluid and waste from tissues and deposits them in the bloodstream to support the body’s fluid balance. It also provides the body with disease-fighting lymphocytes, which help in the body’s defence against infection.
The lymphatic system comprises lymph nodes, open-ended vessels, and organs like the tonsils, spleen, and thymus. The lymphatic system causes the lymph to move only in the direction of heart.
Diagram of Lymphatic System
The best defence mechanism in the human body is the immune system. It protects us from harmful microorganisms and keeps us healthy.
Anatomy of Lymphatic System
- The extra fluid that leaks from cells and tissues is gathered together in lymph, also known as lymphatic fluid. White blood cells (lymphocytes) that the lymph transports combat infections.
- The bean-shaped glands called lymph nodes regulate and cleanse the lymph as it filters through them. They remove the cancerous and damaged cells by filtration.
- The thymus gland, a lymphatic and endocrine gland, is located behind the sternum. It secretes hormones and is essential for immunological T cell development, maturation, and differentiation.
- The tonsils generate lymphocytes and antibodies. They can provide defence against ingested and inhaled foreign particles.
- Although it is lymphoid tissue, the spleen is not a component of the connected lymphatic system. It produces white blood cells and filters blood to eliminate pathogens, damaged red blood cells, and platelets.
- Although bone marrow is not a lymphatic tissue, it is a part of the lymphatic system because this is where the immune system’s B cell cells develop.
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