How Does the Lymphatic System Maintain Homeostasis?
The lymphatic system works in conjunction with the blood and immune systems to maintain homeostasis, which is a healthy and steady state, in the body. The lymphatic system helps maintain this by draining out toxins, defending the body against disease, and recycling plasma proteins.
The lymphatic system is a powerful and imperative part of the daily activities that go on inside the body to keep it in the stable, clean and healthy condition otherwise known as homeostasis. The lymphatic system uses the lymph nodes to help cleanse the body of harmful or excessive toxicity, draining tissue fluids and proteins back into the bloodstream, while at the same time allowing for the absorption of needed fats and fat-soluble vitamins into the body.
Lymph nodes are also rich in a type of white blood cells known as lymphocytes, which are vital in building immunity within the body. The spleen is the largest lymphoid organ in the body, containing both lymphocytes and macrophages, and has lymph nodes within that serve as a home to trap and kill foreign matter in the blood.
The lymph system is crucial in fighting off bacteria and viruses within the body, as well as cancer cells. It is also known to help ward off heart disease and arthritis. All of these properties together make the lymphatic system a major component of maintaining homeostasis within the body.