Learning About Your Lymphatic System

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Location of lymph nodes throughout the body

What does it do?

The lymphatic system carries lymph fluid, nutrients, and waste material between the body tissues and the bloodstream. It's made up of a network of lymph nodes and vessels in the body.

  • Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands. They filter lymph fluid and trap bacteria, viruses, and other substances. White blood cells called lymphocytes then destroy these trapped substances.
  • Lymph vessels carry the lymph fluid through the body.

This system is also part of the immune system. Your immune system helps your body fight disease.

What might happen?

When there is a problem in the body, such as an infection, the nearby lymph nodes may swell. The three most common sites of swollen lymph nodes are the neck, armpit, and groin.

The infection might come from a virus, like a cold, or an injury, like a cut.

Lymph nodes in more than one area of the body may also swell. This may be caused by a viral infection, such as mononucleosis, or a bacterial infection, such as strep throat.

Other problems with the lymphatic system include lymphedema and some types of cancer like lymphoma. Other types of cancer can also spread through the lymphatic system.

Current as of: September 25, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: September 25, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.