Lymphatic System

Infographic: How the human body's lymphatic system works.
The lymphatic system helps keep the body healthy by eliminating infections and diseases. (Image credit: by Ross Toro, Infographics Artist)

The lymphatic system helps to defend the body against infections and other diseases. It's main job is to transport lymph, a fluid that contains infection-fighting white blood cells. Check here for the latest news related to the lymphatic system.

Latest about lymphatic system

A close up photo of a young woman's face propped up on a pillow as she sleeps; her face is illuminated by a bedside lamp out of frame

Does the brain flush out toxins while you sleep?

By Sneha Khedkar published

As we sleep, the brain rids itself of waste built up throughout the day. But how?

Sleep
photo of a student holding a pen and notebook as she looks at a 3D model of the systems of the human body

What are the systems of the body? Fast facts about the human body and how it works

By Rachael Rettner, Scott Dutfield, Nicoletta Lanese last updated

Reference Learn all about the human body's many systems and some of its individual organs, both vital and vestigial.

Reference
lymphocytes in the lymphatic system

The lymphatic system: Facts, functions & diseases

By Kim Ann Zimmermann, Scott Dutfield last updated

Reference The lymphatic system helps rid the body of toxins. Diseases of this system include lymphadenopathy, lymphoma and other disorders.

Reference
Scientists discovered the new organ, which consists of fluid-filled spaces, in the body's connective tissue, including in the skin's dermis, which is shown above as the light pink layer at the bottom of this image.

Meet Your Interstitium, A Newfound 'Organ'

By Rachael Rettner published

Researcher say they've found a network of fluid-filled spaces in tissue that hadn't been seen before.

Health
Tuna fish use their lymphatic system to hydraulically control their vertical fins. This use of the lymphatic system — better known for its role in immune function — has never been seen before in an animal with a backbone.

Tuna Fins Are Weirder Than You Think

By Stephanie Pappas published

Tuna fish repurpose their lymphatic system to control their movement.

Fish
podoconiosis, elephantiasis

Cases of 'Elephantiasis' Traced to Unexpected Cause

By Sara G. Miller published

Elephants
elephantiasis, swellling, parasite

Elephantiasis: What Causes This Strange Condition?

By Sara G. Miller published

Here's how elephantiasis affects the body.

Elephants