The Circulatory and Lymphatic Systems Compared

Circulatory Systems © Lymph Notes

The human body has two circulatory systems! These are the cardiovascular system and the lymphatic system. The differences between these two systems are compared in the table below. To simplify the explanation, in this chart they are referred to simply as blood and lymph. To learn more about the lymphatic system, see Understanding the Lymphatic System.

Being aware of the differences between these two systems makes it easier to understand the special difficulties encountered by the lymphatic system when any part of that system is not functioning properly.

Comparison of the Cardiovascular and Lymphatic Systems
Cardiovascular System (Blood)	Lymphatic System (Lymph)
Blood is responsible for collecting and distributing oxygen, nutrients and hormones to the tissues of entire body.	Lymph is responsible for collecting and removing waste products left behind in the tissues.
Blood flows in a closed continuous loop throughout the body via the arteries, capillaries, and veins.	Lymph flows in an open circuit from the tissues into lymphatic vessels. Once within these vessels, lymph flows in only one direction.
Blood is pumped. The heart pumps blood into the arteries that carry it to all of the body. Veins return blood from all parts of the body to the heart.	Lymph is not pumped. It passively flows from the tissues into the lymph capillaries. Flow within the lymphatic vessels is aided by other body movements such as deep breathing and the action of nearby muscles and blood vessels.
Blood consists of the liquid plasma that transports the red and white blood cells and platelets.	Lymph that has been filtered and is ready to return to the cardiovascular system is a clear or milky white fluid.
Blood is visible and damage to blood vessels causes obvious signs such as bleeding or bruising.	Lymph is invisible and damage to the lymphatic system is difficult to detect until swelling occurs.
Blood is filtered by the kidneys. All blood flows through the kidneys where waste products and excess fluids are removed. Necessary fluids are returned to the cardiovascular circulation.	Lymph is filtered by lymph nodes located throughout the body. These nodes remove some fluid and debris. They also kill pathogens and some cancer cells.
Blood vessel damage or insufficiency produces swelling that containing low-protein fluid.	Lymphatic vessel damage or insufficiency produces swelling containing protein-rich fluid.

References

[1] "Delmar’s Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology 2-E by D. Rizzo. Thomson Delmar Learning, 2006, pages 338-359.

[2] "Body Structures and Functions 9th Ed by A. Scott and E. Fong. Thomson Delmar Learning, 1998, pages 240-241. [3] "Atlas of the Human Body by T. Takahashi. Harper Collins, 1994 pages 120-121.

[4] "Structure and Function of the Human Body 11th Ed. by G. Thibodeau and K.Patton. Mosby, 2000, pages 308-312.

[5] "The Way We Work: Getting to Know The Amazing Human Body" by D. Macualay. Houghton Mifflin 2008.

[6] "Textbook of Dr. Vodder’s Manual Lymph Drainage by H. Wittlinger and G. Wittlinger. Karl F. Haug Verlag, 1998, pages 46-53.

[7] Atlas of Anatomy, TAJ Books, 2003, pages 178-201.

[8] Living Well with Lymphedema by A. Ehrlich, A. Vinjé-Harrewign PT, CLT-LANA, and E. McMahon PhD. Lymph Notes 2005, pages 220-221.

© LymphNotes.com 2009. This information does not replace the advice of a qualified health care professional.

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Category: The Lymphatic System Updated: 2009-11-13