What is the Lymphatic System?

 

The lymphatic system is part of our immune system and works closely with the circulatory system. It is made of up of a network of lymph vessels, lymph nodes and organs. It operates as the sanitation and recycling system of the body by moving and filtering the excess fluid that collects in the tissues.

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Lymph flow relies on muscle contractions, pulsation of nearby arteries, breathing and external compression including lymphatic massage.

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​The lymphatic system has multiple roles in the body.

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• It produces white blood cells called lymphocytes that seek out and destroy pathogens.

• Maintains the body’s fluid balance by collecting excess fluid from the tissues and transporting it to the bloodstream so it can be removed from the body.

• Aids in detoxification by filtering out bacteria and toxins through the lymph nodes. 

• Assists the digestive system by absorbing fat and fatty acids from the gut and sending them back to the blood stream making them available as fuel.​