The Lymphatic System

The Lymphatic System has three primary functions:

1. Transportation and Detoxification – The lymphatic system picks up fluid, waste, and other debris from the interstitial spaces. It cleans and filters the interstitial fluid before returning it to the circulatory system. Only approximately 90% of interstitial fluid is returned to the blood through venous capillaries. The excess 10 % of fluid, toxins, pathogens, debris, waste, and proteins is returned through the Lymphatic System. Lymph also transports large molecular compounds, such as enzymes and hormones, from their manufactured sites to the bloodstream.  

2. Digestion – The lymphatic system functions to facilitate the absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins, such as Vitamins A, D, E, and K, from the digestive system and transport them to the venous circulation.  When digested fats are absorbed, they are transported from the villi in the small intestines to the bloodstream through lymph vessels.

3. Immune System – The lymphatic system functions to defend against microorganisms and disease. Lymphocytes are made in the lymph nodes. The lymph nodes make antibodies that assist the body in building up immunity to infectious diseases. The lymph nodes and other lymphatic organs filter the lymph to remove microorganisms (such as viruses and bacteria) and other foreign particles (such as toxins). The lymphatic organs contain lymphocytes to destroy invading organisms.