The Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system aids the immune system in removing and destroying waste, debris, dead blood cells, pathogens, toxins, and cancer cells. This is how tattoo ink is removed from our skin.

Arterial blood carries oxygen, nutrients, and hormones for the cells. To reach these cells it leaves the small arteries and flows into the tissues. This fluid is now known as interstitial fluid and it delivers its nourishing products to the cells. It then leaves the cell and removes waste products.

After this task is complete, 90% of this fluid returns to the circulatory system as venous blood. The remaining 10% of the fluid stays behind in the tissues as a clear to yellowish fluid known as lymph.

Major lymphatic ducts

The lymph is moved through the body in its own vessels making a one-way journey from the interstitial spaces to the subclavian veins at the base of the neck.

• Because the lymphatic system does not have a heart to pump it, its upward movement depends on the motions of the muscle and joint pumps.
• As it moves upward toward the neck the lymph passes through lymph nodes which filter it, removing debris and pathogens.
• The cleansed lymph continues to travel in only one direction, which is upward toward the neck.
• At the base of the neck, the cleansed lymph flows into the subclavian veins on either side of the neck.
• Toxins, waste and debris are then removed from the body by the liver and kidneys.

Dr. Wetherington is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He is a former President of the Georgia Society of Plastic Surgeons.