WHAT IS THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM?
The lymphatic system is distributed through the entire body. Its two basic functions are to collect, transport and return liquid and large sized molecules from the interstitial space to the large circulation of the body, and to filter bacteria and neoplastic cells.
As with the venous system, it is divided into the superficial lymphatic system (a large network all over the body’s surface) and it has many more vessels than the venous system. The deep lymphatic system runs along large vessels and transports the lympha coming from the organs. It is estimated that the lymphatic network encompasses a total surface of 5000 sq meters.
Approximately 10% of the liquid present in the intersticium is not drained through the venous capillary system but through the lymphatic system.
This small amount is important as large weight molecules such as proteins cannot go through fenestrations of venous capillaries but they can go through lymphatic capillaries instead. There is no other available path other than the lymphatic system for proteins to return to the general circulation.