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The lymphatic system consists of capillaries vessels and lymph nodes The main function of the lymphatic system is to return interstitial fluid back to circulation lymph system immunity lab notes Interstitial fluid is composed of water hormones carbon dioxide lymphocytes digested nutrients some granulocytes and urea 15 2 Mostly the fluid is reabsorbed into the capillaries but some fluid enters the lymph capillaries and is called lymph 15 2 Lymphedema occurs when there is swelling of the tissue as a result of abnormal collection of lymph 15 10 Lymphedema can be primary which is hereditary or secondary which is when normal lymph system becomes damaged Lymphedema can be caused by several factors removal of the lymph nodes is one of the factors of secondary lymphedema A person who has breast cancer have chances of spreading it to the rest of the body via the lymphatic system so to avoid the spreading the lymph nodes in the axillary area can be removed Removal of the lymph nodes mean there are less nodes to filter the fluid and causing it to collect into the surrounding tissues which cannot drain out causing edema in the arms Damaged veins can cause overflow of the fluid in the tissue space and exhaust the lymphatic system after a while which is responsible for the draining of the fluid Varicose veins can also cause secondary lymphedema
