The Lymphatic System (LS) is a vital, one-way vascular network of capillaries, vessels, nodes and organs, thymus) that maintains fluid homeostasis by returning around three litters of interstitial fluid daily to the blood. It transports dietary fats and initiates an immune response. LS depends more upon muscle movement to move lymph components and functions. It does not have pumps like the cardiovascular system and that is why it is important to understand that it is in our hands to keep LS in a better state.
Component and Functions:
Lymphatic Vessels and Capillaries are a network that drains excess interstitial fluid and prevents swelling. These vessels contain one-way valves to ensure unidirectional flow towards the neck.
Lymph Nodes are 500–600 small bean-shaped structures that act as filters, removing pathogens and foreign debris via lymphocytes.
Lymphoid Organs — (Primary) Bone Marrow and Thymus, which produce Lymphocytes and mature B Cells for the immune system, and (Secondary) spleen, tonsils and Lymph nodes are immune surveillance centres, filtering blood and lymph to trap pathogens and activate White Blood Cells.
Immune surveillance system—This system transports antigen presenting cells to nodes, triggering an adaptive immune response.
Fat absorption — Specialized Lymphatic Vessels in the small intestine absorb dietary fats and fat-soluble vitamins, transporting them to Chyle.
Clinical Significance—Damage to this system, often caused by surgery, radiotherapy or disease, can lead to chronic swelling known as Lymphedema.
How to take care of the Lymphatic System — Daily Exercise (Yoga and Meditation), better diet (low sodium and nutrient rich), plenty of fluid and avoiding environmental toxins. Some important regions where Lymph Nodes are present in larger numbers are Neck, Chest , Pelvic regions and Knee regions, And that is why exercises which involve these regions are mandatory and very helpful for the body.