Definition

The lymphatic system is a secondary circulatory system that functions to drain lymph or
lymph in the body. Lymph (not spleen) comes from blood plasma that leaves the
cardiovascular system into the surrounding tissue. This water is then collected by the lymph
system through a diffusion process into the lymph and returned to the circulation system.

Functions
The lymphatic system has three functions:
1. The removal of excess fluids from body tissues. This process is crucial because water,
proteins, and other substances are continuously leaking out of tiny blood capillaries into
the surrounding body tissues. If the lymphatic system didn’t drain the excess fluid from
the tissues, the lymph fluid would build up in the body’s tissues, and they would swell.
2. Absorption of fatty acids and subsequent transport of fat, chyle, to the circulatory
system.
3. Production of immune cells (such as lymphocytes, monocytes, and antibody
producing cells called plasma cells).
Anatomy
The lymphatic system consists of lymph vessels, ducts, nodes, and other tissues. The
lymph vessels form a network of branches thtypes of white blood cells (lymphocytes)
that fight infections.
There are a number of organs that contain lymphatic tissue. They are involved in
blood filtering and the maturation of lymphocytes.
1. Spleen – Functions mainly as a blood filter, removing old red blood cells. It also
plays a role in the immune response.

2. Thymus – Responsible for the development and maturation of T lymphocyte cells.

3. Red bone marrow – Responsible for maturation of immature lymphocytes, much

like the thymus.
In addition, some lymphatic tissue is located in the tonsils, appendix, and in the walls
of the gastrointestinal tract.

Diseases of the lymphatics

1. Lymphadenopathy
Enlargement or Swelling of Lymph Nodes (Lymphadenopathy) Hb Hb
Lymphadenopathy is usually caused by infection, inflammation, or cancer.
Infections that cause lymphadenopathy include bacterial infections such as
strep throat, locally infected skin sores, or viral infections such as
mononucleosis or HIV infection. In contrast to lymphadenitis,
lymphadenopathy is usually painless, or other signs of inflammation such as
redness
2. lymphedema
Swelling Due to Lymph Nodes (Lymphedema) About 2 to 4 liters of lymph
circulate through the lymphatic system each day. When the lymphatic vessels
are cut, cut, or blocked, lymph fluid cannot flow smoothly into the subclavian
veins to the heart, as a result lymph fluid will accumulate in nearby tissues and
cause swelling. Poor circulation - which may occur during pregnancy - and
immobility (infrequent movement) due to disease or obesity can also cause
lymphedema
3. Lymphadenitis
Lymphadenitis When germs enter the body, they are generally picked up by
the lymphatic system. Often times later the germ wins and infects the presence
 of lymph in the clinic, causing swelling and pain. The medical term for this
condition is lymphadenitis, but it is more commonly known as "lymph
infection." Many common bacterial and viral infections can cause swelling,
which returns to normal after the infection clears.
4. Lymphangitis
Lymphangitis Lymphatic vessels can also become infected and inflamed, a
condition known as lymphangitis. If this happens you will see red streaks
appearing on the skin along the route of the inflamed lymphatic vessels,
usually accompanied by fever and chills
5. Lymph Gland Cancer and Cancer Spread Lymphoma
Lymph Gland Cancer and Cancer Spread Lymphoma is a type of cancer that
involves the immune cells of the lymphatic system known as lymphocytes.
This cancer can appear anywhere in the body, divided into 2 types; Hodgkin
and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Lymphangiosarcoma is a rare type of lymphoma
that sometimes develops in people who have had lymphedema for many years.
Cancers that start outside the lymphatic system - such as breast, lung and colon
cancer - also often spread to the lymph nodes. This means that the cancer
invades the lymph nodes and grows there, this is known as lymph node
metastasis
6. Structural Disturbance Lymphatic
Structural Disturbance Lymphatic vessels sometimes form incorrectly or grow
abnormally. For example, lymphangioma is a benign or non-cancerous tumor,
which grows when the small lymphatic vessels do not normally connect with
the rest of the lymphatic system. These growths are most commonly seen
during infancy and childhood, but adults can also be affected.
Lymphangiectasia is another type of structural disorder of the lymph system
that occurs when the lymphatic vessels become damaged and lymph flows
back. As a result, the lymph vessels will expand like balloons, causing non-
cancerous growths, if they continue to cause lymph fluid leakage. People with
this condition also commonly have lymphedema
7. Functional Disorders Lymph
Functional Disorders Lymph nodes can be found throughout the body but are
most concentrated in areas prone to infection. Each lymph node has a large
number of infection-fighting cells called lymphocytes. When lymphocytes are
not functioning properly - this condition is widely known as immunodeficiency
or weakened immune system - it can make a person susceptible to infection,
even a minor illness like the flu can become life threatening. Primary or
hereditary immunodeficiency disorders present at birth. Meanwhile, if it
develops at a later date it is called secondary immunodeficiency, such as in the
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or even AIDS