The lymphatic system is one of the most important vital systems in the human body because it plays a major role in enhancing immunity and maintaining fluid balance within the body. It consists of a group of organs and lymphatic vessels that work together in an integrated manner to rid the body of waste and toxins. It also plays an important role in absorbing fat-soluble vitamins from the digestive system. In this article, we will talk about the lymphatic circulatory system parts and functions, how it works, and some of the disorders that occur in it.
What is the lymphatic system and its function?
The lymphatic system is the most important part of the immune system because it defends the body against any infection. The lymphatic system consists of lymph nodes and some other lymphatic organs that work together to drain a fluid called lymph fluid that is collected from all over the body. Therefore, the lymphatic circulatory system parts and functions are very important. What You Can Do to Keep Your Lymphatic System Healthy is essential to ensuring its proper functioning and maintaining overall health.
The most important function of the lymphatic system is to enhance the body’s immunity. This function is done through the lymph, which contains a large number of white blood cells collected from different parts of the body and then mixed with blood. The lymphatic system also regulates fluids within the human body. When diseases occur in the lymphatic system, it becomes unable to transport this fluid from different parts of the body, which leads to its accumulation, causing oedema, especially in the hands and feet.
How does the lymphatic system work?
When talking about lymphatic circulatory system parts and functions, we must know how this system works, as blood is released in the body with plasma to transport nutrients and oxygen to the tissues that are found in all parts of the body through some small pores that absorb toxins and waste resulting from cell metabolism. The cells excrete this waste after consuming nutrients to perform their function.
But plasma cannot get rid of all the waste, so the lymph gets rid of the rest of the waste left by the plasma in the body, then transports it through the lymphatic vessels and moves to larger vessels until it reaches one of the two main channels of the lymphatic system located in the upper part of the chest, then pours its contents into one of the large veins in the human body.
Lymphatic system anatomy and physiology
Many people want to know the lymphatic circulatory system parts and functions. Since the lymphatic system is one of the most important systems in the body, we must know lymphatic system components, which are as follows:
Tonsils
The tonsils are located on both sides of the back of the throat and work to confront germs and bacteria that are swallowed through the mouth. They are considered one of the most important organs that bacteria and pathogens encounter when they first enter the body, which is why they are often infected with inflammation.
Thymus gland
The thymus gland is located in the chest area behind the sternum. These glands are large during childhood and then begin to atrophy upon entering puberty. This gland is the place where a type of white blood cell that attacks germs called T-lymphocytes is produced.
Lymph nodes
They are small glands spread throughout the body, including major lymph nodes in the groin, neck and Axilla. These glands filter the lymph as it passes to remove all damaged cells and cancer cells. They also store some cells in the immune system and attack germs.
Spleen
The spleen is the largest organ of the lymphatic system which is located in the left hypochondrium under the ribs above the stomach. It removes old cells, filters the blood, and stores a large number of RBCs and platelets, which are released when the body needs them.
Lymph
It is a colourless fluid consisting of white blood cells and some platelets. It contains some other substances such as fats, minerals, proteins and damaged cells and flows throughout the body inside the lymphatic vessels.
Lymphatic vessels
They are tubes spread throughout the body that are similar in structure to veins and eventually connect to two large channels in the chest where lymph is poured into the blood.
Two collecting ducts
They are two large channels located in the upper part of the chest through which lymph is emptied into the blood vessels located under the collarbone.
Understanding the Difference Between Blood and Lymphatic Circulation is crucial to fully grasp the functions and significance of the lymphatic system.
Lymphatic system disorders
After knowing the lymphatic circulatory system parts and functions, lymphatic system disorders occur when the lymphatic system organs are infected with some diseases that lead to a disturbance in the functioning of the system. The most important of these disorders are:
- Lymphedema: It is a blockage in the lymphatic systems, which leads to the accumulation of fluids in different parts of the body, especially in the arms and legs, and may sometimes be life-threatening.
- Lymphadenopathy: This occurs as a result of the lymph nodes becoming inflamed. Lymphadenopathy also occurs as a result of skin wounds or as a result of the acquired immunodeficiency virus.
- Fibroma: These are congenital defects where there are some fluid-filled sacs under the skin.
- Filariasis: This is a parasitic infection of the lymph nodes and causes a malfunction of the lymphatic system.
FAQs
What is the smallest lymphatic organ in the body?
The lymph nodes are the smallest organs in the lymphatic system, and the lymph nodes in the kidneys are the smallest.
What is the largest lymphatic organ?
The spleen is the largest lymphatic organ in the body, as it stores white and red blood cells until the body needs them. It is the most important organ that should be mentioned when talking about lymphatic circulatory system parts and functions.
Can we live without a spleen?
A person can live without a spleen for many years, but he is more susceptible to infection, so he needs to take all necessary precautions to prevent infection.
After we talked about lymphatic circulatory system parts and functions, this system must be preserved because of its great importance in confronting many diseases that a person can contract. It can be preserved by drinking sufficient amounts of fluids, avoiding exposure to radioactive and chemical substances that may result from some detergents or pesticides, and maintaining a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals.
