The Lymphatic System and Its Diseases

The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs. It clears away infection and keeps the body's fluids in balance.

What it is made of

• Lymph, a fluid carrying white blood cells that defend against germs.
• Lymph vessels, which carry lymph around the body. They are separate from blood vessels.
• Lymph nodes, glands found along the lymph vessels. Together with the spleen, they are where white blood cells fight infection.
• Bone marrow and the thymus, which produce the cells in lymph and are part of the system too.

When it goes wrong

If the system does not work properly, fluid collects in the tissues and causes swelling, called lymphedema. Other lymphatic problems include infections, blockages and cancer.

Sources

• MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, "Lymphatic Diseases." https://medlineplus.gov/lymphaticdiseases.html
• Rewritten in hubnx's own words.