What Is the Main Function of the Lymphatic System?

The 5 main functions of the lymphatic system include:

1. Draining the lymph from the tissues: The lymphatic system drains the lymph (extra fluid) leaking from the body tissues and returns it to the blood system. If the fluid does not get drained, it results in edema (swelling) over the body.
2. Absorbing fats from the digestive tract: The lymphatic system absorbs fats, fat-soluble vitamins, and proteins from your intestines and transports them back to the bloodstream.
3. Fighting diseases and infections: The lymphatic system is part of the immune system that produces and releases white blood cells and other immune cells to fight against microbes and other substances.
4. Transporting and removing waste products and abnormal cells from the lymph: The lymphatic system filters waste products and unhealthy cells from the lymph and removes them from the body.
5. Filtering out toxins: Toxins in the blood are often selectively filtered by the lymph nodes.

The lymphatic system has many parts, which include:

• Lymph or lymphatic fluid: The collection of extra fluid and other substances drained from the cells and tissues.
  • Other substances may include
    • Proteins
    • Minerals
    • Fats
    • Nutrients
    • Damaged cells
    • Cancer cells
    • Foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses
• Lymph nodes: These are bean-shaped glands in the neck, armpit, and groin area that are responsible for filtering out viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
  • They can also be found along lymphatic pathways in the chest, abdomen, and pelvis, where they filter blood.
  • They produce and store more white blood cells and are connected by the lymphatic vessels.
• Lymphatic vessels: Unlike blood vessels, lymphatic vessels only carry fluid away from the tissues. Lymph capillaries join to form the lymphatic vessels.
  • The major lymphatic vessels include:
    • Thoracic duct: Originates in the lower part of the spine and collects the lymph from the pelvis, abdomen, and lower chest
    • Right lymphatic duct: Collects the lymph from the right side of the neck, chest, and arm and empties into a large vein near the right side of the neck

Organs associated with the lymphatic system include:

• Spleen: Filters and stores blood and produces white blood cells involved in fighting disease and infection
• Thymus: Produces a particular white blood cell that fights foreign organisms
• Tonsils and adenoids: Catch pathogens from food and air
• Bone marrow: Produces white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets
• Peyer’s patches: Line your small intestines and monitor and destroy bacteria in the intestine
• Appendix: Destroys bacteria before they reach the intestinal wall

Caring for the lymphatic system doesn’t require much effort. Here are some ways to keep your lymphatic system healthy and functioning:

• Drink plenty of water to keep your lymph moving.
• Avoid unnecessary exposure to cleaning products and pesticides because their harmful chemicals can get lodged in the system, making it harder for them to filter.
• Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly.

If you experience fatigue and unexplained swelling that lasts for more than a few weeks, you should consult your doctor. You should inform your doctor if these symptoms are interfering with your daily activities.

Other symptoms that might indicate problems with the lymphatic system include:

• Hardening and thickening of the skin
• Recurring infections
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Shortness of breath
• Unexplained weight loss