What is the Lymph System
- The lymphatic system is one which is just as important as the vascular system. While the blood carries nutrients and oxygen to your cells and carries the wastes away, the lymphatic system removes fluid and other materials which leak out of the blood system into the tissues.
- It is also the pathway for removal of any toxins from bacteria (associated with infections) that may from time to time proliferate in tissues and also for removal of venoms from bites or stings.
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Lymphatic Capillaries
Once fluid leaks out of the blood vessels it is called lymph. Most of this fluid goes straight back to the blood vessels again. But some of it is dependant on the lymphatic system to take it away. Fluid is moved from the tissue spaces into the first part of the lymph system (lymph capillaries) mainly by changes in the pressure in the tissues of the body that occur as we move and do things, or when we deliberately contract and relax our muscles. |
What helps lymph flow
- Once in the first part of the lymph system, the lymph will then be pushed to the larger lymph collecting vessels which beat rhythmically (these sections are called lymph angions). The flow of lymph through these vessels is determined by the amount of lymph in them and the amount of fluid waiting to be removed from the tissues.
- When there is more fluid they beat faster if they can. Flow is also affected by pressure, variations around them as such as those through body movement. Flow in the upper part of the limbs is also affected by respiratory movements- deep inspirations may facilitate a better flow into the join of the larger lymph vessels with the blood system in the arms while deep exhalations may help flow from the legs into the groin and abdominal area.
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Lymph System 
