A. Lymphatic Vessels - Lymph : A clear to yellowish watery fluid that circulates through body tissues filtering out fats, bacteria, and other unwanted materials.  Due to the pumping of the heart, some fluids are forced out of the capillaries.  85% is reabsorbed into the lymphatic capillaries  The 15% left is then absorbed by the lymphatic vessels which is then carried to the cardiovascular system.

 Leaks fluid along with oxygen and nutrients through the thin walls as a result of the pumping of the heart.  The valves inside the lymph capillaries act similar to veins and keep the flow of lymph towards the heart.  Muscular contraction and breathing also help lymph flow towards the heart.

 Lymphedema is a collection of “fluid” that causes swelling (edema) in the arms and legs.  Can be inherited by an autosomal dominant trait.  Can also be obtained by a disruption in the lymphatic vessel.  The 15% left over fluid that cannot be absorbed by the lymphatic vessel builds up over time.

Most common treatments are:  Range of Motion Exercises  Compression (bandages or sleeves)  Manual Lymph Drainage  Surgery for excess tissue (not a cure)

1. The lymphatic system services the immune system by destroying pathogens and filtering out waste allowing the lymph to be safely returned to the circulatory system. 2. The lymphatic system also aids circulatory system to deliver hormones, oxygen, and nutrients from the blood to the cells that make up the tissues of the body. 3. Lymph is a colorless fluid containing white blood cells, which bathes the tissues and drains through the lymphatic system into the bloodstream. 4. The lymphatic system selects, collects, and recycles fluids that are leaked from the cardiovascular system and prevents/fights infections. 5. The Lymphatic system is made up of lymphatic vessels, lymphatic capillaries, lymph nodes, and lymph tissue such as: tonsils, thymus, spleen, and bone marrow (inside the bone)

6. Breathing, stretching, and the bending of the joints can increase the productivity of the lymphatic system 7. The lymphatic system helps maintain fluid balance, homeostasis, in the body by collecting excess fluid and depositing them in the bloodstream 8. Lymphatic Vessels are ran parallel to blood veins, carrying lymph fluids that contain oxygen, minerals, and protein 9. Lymphatic Capillaries take in interstitial fluid or tissue fluid, lymph and nutrients that “float” around cells, sending them back into the blood stream or back to the heart 10. Lymph Nodes filter germs, viruses, bacteria, and anything foreign from lymph. Lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, destroys these germs, viruses, and bacteria.

 Johnson, George B., and Peter H. Raven. Holt Biology. Orlando, Florid: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Print.  N., Piller, and O’Conner M.O. "THE LYMPHOEDEMA HANDBOOK Causes, Effects and Management." Web. 30 Apr  Rockson, S.G. "The Lymphatic Research Foundation." Web. 30 Apr  "Understanding the Lymphatic System." Lymph Notes: Lymphedema Information, Books, and Support. Web. 30 Apr