Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
  • The lymphatic system is our body’s ‘sewerage system’.
  • It maintains fluid levels in our body tissues by removing all fluids that leak out of our blood vessels.
  • The lymphatic system is important for the optimal functioning of our general and specific immune responses.
  • The lymph nodes monitor the lymph flowing into them and produce cells and antibodies which protect our body from infection and disease.
  • The spleen and thymus are lymphatic organs that monitor the blood and detect and respond to pathogens and malignant cells.
  • The lymphatic system plays an important role in the absorption of fats from the intestine.
  • When the lymphatic system is not formed well or has been damaged by surgery, radiotherapy or tissue damage, a swelling of a part of the body may occur (most commonly the legs or arms). When this swelling lasts more than about three months it is called lymphoedema. 
  • When it’s not functioning well the lymphatic system may have a role in obesity, Crohn’s disease and other disorders.

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Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 19-07-2017