The human lymphatic system plays an important role in the immune functions of our body. Our lymphatic system consists of network of organs and tissues. It helps our body to get rid of waste, toxins and other unwanted materials. The thymus and spleen are important components of our lymphatic system.
Thymus is located above the heart in the chest. Thymus has function to store immature lymphocytes and allows them to become active cells. The spleen acts like a blood filter. When it detects any harmful virus, bacteria or any other microorganisms, it produces lymphocytes, which are infection fighting blood cells. These lymphocytes act like protectors against foreign invaders and stop the infection from spreading in the body.
The lymphatic system is distributed along the body in the form of vessels. These vessels contain lymph which is colorless fluid. The lymph carries the lymphocytes to infection site. The lymphocytes become active when foreign invaders enter our body. These release antibodies to fight and kill the micro-organisms.
The lymphatic system also plays role of body’s drainage system. Extra fluid is collected surrounding the body’s organs and tissues and is returned back to the blood stream. The drainage of this excess fluid is vital for our body. If this fluid is not drained out of the body, it would accumulate in the body and causes lymphedema which is condition of swelling.
The lymphatic system also absorbs fat-soluble vitamins and fats from our digestive system and supplies these nutrients to body cells where they are used.
This system also removes toxins and other impurities from the body like sodium, carbon dioxide, extra minerals and nutrients. These impurities are removed in the form of sweating, urine and breathing.
According to latest research done by scientists, human brain also has lymphatic vessels found particularly in dura which is the outermost membrane which surrounds the brain. These vessels collect the fluid from the inner portions of the brain and drain it out through lymphatic system.
it's very astonishing how our body mechanism works! isn't it?