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What Is the Connection between the Lymphatic System and Circulatory System?

T. Carrier
T. Carrier

The lymphatic system and circulatory system are two of the most important anatomical components of living organisms. They primarily comprise the body's waste removal and blood circulating capabilities, respectively. Some scientists believe that these two systems should both be considered part of one major system: the cardiovascular system. They are intertwined and work together to transport substances through the body. In addition, portions of the blood help create lymph, and lymph removes wasteful blood cells from the body.

Both of these systems work in a similar manner. They both produce liquid substances — blood and lymph — that move through their networks of vessels and ducts to various parts of the body. Each of these liquid substances carries nutrients or removes waste. As such, both could be considered circulatory in nature.

The lymphatic system and circulatory system may work together to spread cancer.
The lymphatic system and circulatory system may work together to spread cancer.

The circulatory system is primarily responsible for transporting blood throughout the body. It's made up of the heart, the organ that pumps blood, and the veins and arteries that move blood to and away from body tissues. Blood transport is crucial because this substance carries many nutrients and fluids that the body needs for sustenance, such as oxygen.

The circulatory system.
The circulatory system.

The lymphatic system acts as a waste removal system for the body. When unneeded material is absorbed by the muscles, lymph picks up this material and transports it to the lymph nodes, where it is ingested. Old and unusable red blood cells are eliminated in this way, meaning that the circulatory system uses the lymphatic system as a means of disposal.

The structure of the aorta, part of the circulatory system.
The structure of the aorta, part of the circulatory system.

Further, an individual’s lymphatic system and circulatory system work together to provide the body with lymph. This clear fluid is produced in the lymphatic system and initially carried by lymphatic vessels, where it is moved via vessel contractions. From the lymphatic vessels, lymph goes into the lymphatic ducts. After moving through these areas, it empties into the circulatory system’s subclavian veins.

A person with visible blood vessels, which are part of the circulatory system.
A person with visible blood vessels, which are part of the circulatory system.

The blood plays a major role in creating lymph. Blood plasma becomes a substance known as interstitial fluid when it comes into contact with body tissues. Some of this fluid enters lymphatic vessels, where it is then transformed into lymph. In fact, one of the primary responsibilities of the lymphatic system is to drain interstitial fluid from tissues.

Unlike blood vessels, lymphatic vessels are capable of distributing fluid without any type of force.
Unlike blood vessels, lymphatic vessels are capable of distributing fluid without any type of force.

A more unfortunate role the lymphatic system and circulatory system might work together on is the spread of cancer. Since lymphatic vessels and lymph are so prevalent in all areas of the body, this fluid will often carry cancer cells into the blood, which transports them into new bodily regions. This process is known as metastasis.

The lymphatic system is responsible for returning blood proteins and fluid back to the blood stream. Lymphedema is edema relating to the function of the lymphatic system. Edema is when fluid accumulates excessively in tissue spaces and causes the appearance of swelling.

Discussion Comments

anon995347

I am a world class expert on lymphatics, having been involved in the research that formed the ISL since I was only 9 years old. The lymphatic system simply returns the plasma particulates back to the blood stream because it is the bodies internal vacuum cleaner. The water follows the particulates. These blood plasma proteins are the particulates I am referring to. They are controlled by the liver. To learn more search for Lymphological and Cell Ecology by Karl West.

Stelando

There are some very easy-to-learn techniques for self lymphatic drainage massage. Many "how to" videos can be found online. For even better results, try doing them in a steam room.

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    • The lymphatic system and circulatory system may work together to spread cancer.
      By: Photographee.eu
      The lymphatic system and circulatory system may work together to spread cancer.
    • The circulatory system.
      By: Roman Dekan
      The circulatory system.
    • The structure of the aorta, part of the circulatory system.
      By: bilderzwerg
      The structure of the aorta, part of the circulatory system.
    • A person with visible blood vessels, which are part of the circulatory system.
      By: dimedrol68
      A person with visible blood vessels, which are part of the circulatory system.
    • Unlike blood vessels, lymphatic vessels are capable of distributing fluid without any type of force.
      By: designua
      Unlike blood vessels, lymphatic vessels are capable of distributing fluid without any type of force.
    • The lymphatic system is involved in waste removal.
      By: blueringmedia
      The lymphatic system is involved in waste removal.