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The lymphatic system is complementary to the circulatory system and provides an accessory route for returning excess interstitial fluid to the bloodstream via lymph.
The lymphatic system is an organ system in vertebrates that complements the circulatory system and supports immune function. It is made up of lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, lymphoid organs and tissues, and circulating lymph. Unlike the circulatory system (a closed system), the lymphatic system is open: lymph originates from interstitial fluid that leaks from blood capillaries into tissues, then drains into lymphatic vessels. This provides an accessory return route to the bloodstream for the fluid that is not reabsorbed directly by blood vessels. A major role of the lymphatic system is immune defense. Lymph is similar to blood plasma and contains waste products, cellular debris, bacteria, and proteins, with lymphocytes being the main immune cells. Lymphoid organs and tissues are sites where lymphocytes are produced, mature, and/or become activated. Lymph passes through lymph nodes, where it is filtered to remove unwanted materials such as bacteria and damaged cells, before draining into larger lymph ducts (right lymphatic duct and thoracic duct) that return lymph to the venous circulation. Lymph is moved through the system by muscle contractions, and in some vertebrates a lymph heart may help pump lymph toward the veins.
The lymphatic system is complementary to the circulatory system and provides an accessory route for returning excess interstitial fluid to the bloodstream via lymph.
Lymph nodes and lymphoid organs filter lymph and support immune defense by enabling lymphocyte production, maturation, and activation.
Lymph originates from interstitial fluid leaking from blood capillaries, then travels through lymphatic vessels and ducts to re-enter the bloodstream.
Lymph is transported through the system mainly by muscle contractions (and sometimes by a lymph heart in some vertebrates).
Lymph is the fluid that forms from interstitial fluid and circulates through lymphatic vessels, carrying immune cells and filtered materials.
Thin-walled vessels that conduct lymph throughout the body, including lymph capillaries and larger collecting ducts.
Organized collections of lymphoid tissue along lymphatic pathways that filter lymph and support immune responses.
Organs containing lymphoid tissue where lymphocytes are produced, mature, and/or activated (e.g., thymus, spleen).
Central sites (such as bone marrow and thymus) responsible for generating and early selection/maturation of lymphocytes.
Peripheral sites (such as lymph nodes and spleen) where mature lymphocytes encounter antigens and initiate adaptive immune responses.
The main lymphatic duct that drains lymph from the left side of the body and returns it to the venous circulation.
A lymphatic duct that drains lymph from the right side of the body into the venous circulation.
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