The Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system consists of a network of vessels, nodes, fluid and tissue. It is part of the normal circulatory system which also includes veins and arteries. 

The purpose of the lymphatic system is to produce lymphocytes which play an important role in our body's immune system. These cells, primarily produced in the spleen, fight bacteria and viruses.

The vessels are channels of the lymphatic system, through which lymph fluid flows on its way to the bloodstream. The vessels themselves contain colorless fluid called lymph. 

Lymph is made up of white blood cells, water, protein and waste products from lymph tissue. Lymph nodes are "the filtering stations" of the lymph system. 

All lymph fluid passes through the nodes which act as waste purifiers and bacteria and virus fighters, cleaning the fluid as it moves along its path. Lymph tissue is also found in other areas of the body including the tonsils, spleen, intestinal wall and bone marrow.