Lymphatic System
About the Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system returns approximately 3 liters of interstitial fluid to the bloodstream daily, preventing edema. Lymph capillaries merge into lymphatic vessels with valves, draining through several hundred lymph nodes that filter pathogens. Major lymph node clusters: cervical, axillary, mediastinal, mesenteric, inguinal. The thoracic duct drains lymph from the lower body and left upper body into the left subclavian vein. The right lymphatic duct drains the right upper body. Lacteals in intestinal villi absorb dietary fats as chyle. Lymphoid organs include the spleen, thymus T cell maturation, tonsils, and Peyer patches ileum. Lymphadenopathy may indicate infection or malignancy. Lymphedema chronic swelling occurs after lymph node removal.
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