The Lymphatic System

immune system · body systems · health

Drains extra fluid. Your lymphatic system is like a drainage system for your body. It collects extra fluid that leaks out of your blood vessels and returns it back to your bloodstream so nothing gets waterlogged.

Fights off invaders. Lymph nodes are tiny bean-shaped stations scattered throughout your body that trap germs and help your immune system destroy them before they can make you sick.

Carries lymph everywhere. Lymphatic vessels form a network as big and complex as your blood vessels, carrying a clear fluid called lymph that contains infection-fighting white blood cells throughout your entire body.

Has special organs. Your spleen, thymus, and tonsils are all part of the lymphatic system and work together to create and train the white blood cells that keep you healthy.

Named after water. The word lymph comes from an ancient Latin word meaning fresh water, because the fluid in your lymphatic system looks and flows like clean water.