The lymphatic system is a body-wide network of vessels, nodes and lymphoid organs. It collects the fluid that leaks out of blood capillaries into the tissues, filters it through lymph nodes and returns it to the veins at the base of the neck. It also houses and circulates the white blood cells that run the immune response, and carries absorbed dietary fat from the gut.
| Location | Throughout the body except the bone marrow, epidermis, cartilage and most of the central nervous system (which drains via meningeal lymphatics); central collecting ducts in the thorax and abdomen |
|---|---|
| Secretes |
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Returns excess tissue fluid and plasma proteins to the bloodstream, absorbs fats from the small intestine as chyle, and filters lymph through nodes where lymphocytes detect and respond to infection and abnormal cells.
When lymphatic drainage fails, protein-rich fluid builds up in the tissues as lymphoedema, most often after cancer surgery or radiotherapy, or worldwide from filarial infection. Cancers commonly spread along lymphatics, so knowing which nodes drain a region guides examination, staging and sentinel node biopsy. Manual lymphatic drainage, compression and exercise are core treatments for lymphoedema.
Chronic swelling from impaired lymph drainage, primary (developmental) or secondary to surgery, radiotherapy, infection or obesity.
Cancer of lymphocytes, usually presenting with painless enlarged lymph nodes, sometimes with fever, night sweats and weight loss.
Infection spreading along lymphatic vessels, seen as tender red streaks running from a wound toward the regional nodes.
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