The larger lymphatic vessels have muscles in their walls which helps them gently and slowly pulsate. The smaller lymphatic vessels, which take up the fluids, are called lymph capillaries. Generally, more active areas have more of them. The lymphatic vessels are found everywhere in our body. If it lasts longer (more than about three months) it is called lymphoedema. If the swelling only lasts for a short period it is called oedema. When the lymphatic system does not drain fluids from the tissues properly, the tissues swell, appearing puffy and uncomfortable. We need that to push nutrients (food the cells need), fluids and some cells into the body’s tissues to supply those tissues with food, oxygen and defence.Īll of the fluids and its contents that leak out into the tissues (as well as waste products formed in the tissues, and bacteria that enter them through our skin) are removed from them by the lymphatic system. The blood in our blood vessels is under constant pressure. These can rapidly multiply and release antibodies in response to bacteria, viruses, and a range of other stimuli from dead or dying cells and abnormally behaving cells such as cancer cells. The lymph nodes and other lymphatic structures like the spleen and thymus hold special white blood cells called lymphocytes. absorbing some of the fats in our diet from the intestine.dealing with cell products that otherwise would result in disease or disorders.The main roles of the lymphatic system include: It drains fluid (called lymph) that has leaked from the blood vessels into the tissues and empties it back into the bloodstream via the lymph nodes. The lymphatic system is a network of delicate tubes throughout the body. When it’s not functioning well the lymphatic system may have a role in obesity, Crohn’s disease and other disorders.When this swelling lasts more than about three months it is called lymphoedema. When the lymphatic system is not formed well or has been damaged by surgery, radiotherapy or tissue damage, a swelling of a part of the body may occur (most commonly the legs or arms).

The lymphatic system plays an important role in the absorption of fats from the intestine.

The spleen and thymus are lymphatic organs that monitor the blood and detect and respond to pathogens and malignant cells.

The lymph nodes monitor the lymph flowing into them and produce cells and antibodies which protect our body from infection and disease.

The lymphatic system is important for the optimal functioning of our general and specific immune responses.It maintains fluid levels in our body tissues by removing all fluids that leak out of our blood vessels.The lymphatic system is our body’s ‘sewerage system’.

Victoria 3 leaked