Lymphatic System and Its Importance: The lymphatic system is a network of vessels, tissues, and organs. It works together to move a watery colourless fluid. It is known as lymph which will move back into the circulatory system, known as the bloodstream. Students must understand the concept of the lymphatic system and its importance. Remember that 20 litres of plasma flow through arteries and smaller arteriole blood vessels and capillaries of a human body every day. 

After supplying nutrients to the tissues and cells of a human body and obtaining the waste products, 17 litres out of 20 litres are returned to the circulation by way of veins. The remaining three litres flow through the capillaries and into a human body’s tissues. This excess fluid is collected by the lymphatic system from tissues available in the human body and then moved until it’s ultimately returned to the bloodstream.

Lymphatic System and Its Importance: Functions

The lymphatic system has multiple functions. Check out its key functions below.

• The lymphatic system maintains fluid levels in the human body

The lymphatic system accumulates excessive fluid that leaks out from tissues and cells throughout the body and returns it to the bloodstream. After that, it is recirculated through the body.

• The lymphatic system soaks fats from the digestive tract

Lymph includes fluids from the intestines. It holds proteins and fats and moves them to the bloodstream.

• The lymphatic system protects the human body against foreign invaders

The lymphatic system is an integral part of the human immune system. It makes and releases lymphocytes (white blood cells) and other immune cells that watch and destroy foreign invaders, including viruses, parasites, bacteria, and fungi that may enter the human body. The lymphatic system transports and eradicates waste products and abnormal cells from the lymph.

The Parts of the Lymphatic System

If you want to know the lymphatic system and its importance, you must note that the lymphatic system has many parts. Check out the details below.

• Lymph

Lymph is also known as lymphatic fluid, a collection of the extra fluid. This extra fluid drains from tissues and cells that are not reabsorbed into the capillaries and other substances. These other substances incorporate minerals, proteins, fats, damaged cells, cancer cells, and foreign invaders, including bacteria, viruses, etc. Lymph also moves white blood cells (lymphocytes) that fight infection.

• Lymph Nodes

Lymph nodes are glands of a bean shape. It monitors and cleanses the lymph as it filters through them. These nodes filter out cancer cells and damaged cells. Lymph nodes also store and produce lymphocytes and other immune system cells. These cells attack and eradicate bacteria and other toxic substances that exist in the fluid. 

The human body has 600 lymph nodes spread throughout the body. Some of these nodes exist as a single node, while others are closely connected groups. These closely connected groups are called chains. A few lymph nodes are available in the human armpit, neck, and groin. The Lymphatic vessels connect lymph nodes with others.

• Lymphatic Vessels

The network of capillaries or microvessels is known as Lymphatic vessels. A large network of tubes moves lymph away from tissues, and this large network of tissues is available throughout the human body. Lymphatic vessels collect and filter lymph as it moves toward larger vessels which are known as collecting ducts. These vessels operate just like human veins. These vessels can work under low pressure and consist of several valves to keep the fluid moving in one direction.

• Collecting Ducts

The lymph is emptied by lymphatic vessels into the lymphatic duct. They left the lymphatic duct, also known as the thoracic duct). These ducts connect to the subclavian vein and return lymph to the bloodstream. The subclavian vein runs just below your collarbone. Returning lymph to the bloodstream helps maintain normal blood volume and pressure. It also deters the excess fluid buildup around the tissues, also known as edema).

• Spleen

The spleen is the largest lymphatic organ. It is found on your left side, under ribs, and above the stomach of a human body. The spleen is an organ that filters and stores blood. It also produces white blood cells that fight disease and infection.

• Thymus

The thymus is an organ that is found in the upper chest of a human body just beneath the breast bone. It develops a specific type of white blood cell. These white blood cells can fight foreign organisms.

• Tonsils and Adenoid

Tonsils and Adenoid are lymphoid organs that trap pathogens from the food and air. These are the first line of shield against foreign invaders in a human body.

• Bone Marrow

Bone marrow is soft and spongy tissue. It is located in the centre of certain bones, including the breastbone and the hip bone. Platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cells are made in the bone marrow.

• Peyer’s Patches

Peyer’s patches are small masses available in lymphatic tissue, which is located in the mucous membrane that lines the small intestine. These lymphoid cells scan and eliminate bacteria- located in the intestines.

• Appendix

The appendix contains lymphoid tissue. It can destroy bacteria before it breaches the intestine wall during absorption. Scientists believe the appendix plays a vital role in accommodating good bacteria in the human body and repopulating our gut with good bacteria, especially when the infection is cleared.

 The Importance of Lymphatic System: Conditions Affecting Lymphatic System

Students who want to understand the lymphatic system and its importance must note that different conditions can affect the lymphatic system, which is made of organs, vessels, and glands. Some happen during the development phase before birth, while some happen during the phase of childhood. Others emerge as a result of illness or trauma. The lymphatic system is affected by various diseases and ailments, both common and uncommon. Check out the details below.

• Lymphadenopathy (enlarged or swollen lymph nodes): Infection, inflammation, or malignancy can cause enlarged lymph nodes. Strep throat, mononucleosis, HIV infection, and infected skin wounds are all common illnesses that can produce swollen lymph nodes. Lymphadenitis is lymphadenopathy brought on by an infection or an inflammatory condition.
  
• Lymphedema is a swelling or fluid buildup caused by a lymphatic system blockage induced by scar tissue from injured lymph arteries or nodes. Lymphedema is frequent after lymph nodes are removed from persons who have had surgery or radiation to remove cancer. The lymph nodes are the most prevalent site of lymphatic fluid buildup.
  
• Lymphoma cancers are cancers of the lymphatic system. Lymphoma is a lymph node cancer that develops when lymphocytes proliferate and replicate uncontrolled. Lymphoma can be classified into two types: Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-lymphoma. Hodgkin’s Cancerous tumours can also obstruct lymphatic ducts or be located near lymph nodes, obstructing lymph flow through the node.

Other Disorders

In the below-mentioned section, we have listed other disorders.

• Lymphangitis is a condition in which the lymph veins become inflamed.
  
• Lymphangioma: Lymphangioma is a congenital disorder. It is a lymphatic system malformation. Multiple or widespread lymphatic vascular abnormalities are present in lymphangiomatosis.
  
• Intestinal lymphangiectasia is a condition in which the small intestine loses lymph tissue, causing protein, gammaglobulins, albumin, and lymphocytes to be lost.
  
• Lymphocytosis is a disorder in which the body has an abnormally large number of lymphocytes.
  
• Lymphatic filariasis is a parasitic infection that affects the lymphatic system and causes it to malfunction.
  
• Castleman’s disease (Castleman’s disease Castleman’s illness is characterised by an overabundance of cells in the lymphatic system.
  
• Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (Lymphangioleiomyomatosis) is a rare lung illness in which aberrant muscle-like cells start to proliferate.

Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) is a rare hereditary illness in which the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen have an abnormally high number of lymphocytes. Mesenteric lymphadenitis is when the lymph nodes in the abdomen become inflamed. Tonsillitis is a condition in which the tonsils become inflamed and infected.

What Should be Done to Keep Lymphatic System in Good Shape?

It would be best if you did the following to keep your lymphatic system robust and healthy.

• Toxic compounds included in pesticides and cleaning goods should be avoided. These substances can accumulate in your body, making it more difficult for your body to filter waste.
  
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water so lymph may flowly throughout your body.
  
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle consisting of frequent exercise and nutritious food.

We hope the concept of the lymphatic system and its importance was of immense help to you. For more such posts, keep reading on Embibe!