The lymphatic system comprises of:
• the lymph, which is the system's transport fluid.
• a vast network of capillaries which transport the lymph.
• a number of lymph nodes located at different parts of the body which filter the lymph - these are mostly situated at the neck, armpits and groin.
• the tonsils, thymus and spleen, which produce white blood cells (lymphocytes, T cells and B cells of the immune system) that go around destroying pathogens and toxins.
Here are some key points regarding the functions of the lymphatic system:
• Lymphatic vessels remove blood proteins and excess water from spaces surrounding bodily cells - this allows the cells to receive critical oxygen. A congested lymphatic system results in oxygen-deprived cells, which in the long-term can lead to various pains and diseases.
• Lymph fills spaces between bodily cells, bringing nutrients to the cells as well as removing unwanted materials from them - these include dead cells, bacteria, heavy metals, fatty globules, and other waste products.
• Bringing toxins away from cells is actually the lymphatic system's main function. Lymph circulates through the lymphatic system, carrying waste materials away from various parts of the body.
• The lymph nodes then filter the lymph, neutralizing and dumping bacteria and other pathogens, as well as neutralizing and getting rid of other toxins. They then bring these materials to the bloodstream, while the lymphocytes are allowed to pass through.
• Thereafter, the unwanted toxins are brought through the blood to the kidneys and liver, organs of detoxification, where they are dealt with and then excreted from the body. Some of the lymph is also dumped straight into the large intestines, where it is excreted with the feces.