Human Circulatory System and Lymphatic System

The purpose of the lymphatic system is to collect the lymph that leaves capillaries, screen it for microorganisms, and return it to the circulatory system.

Lymph moves through the lymphatic system with the help of pressure from surrounding skeletal muscles, which pushes it through a system of capillaries into larger lymph vessels.

When injury or disease blocks lymphatic vessels, lymph can accumulate in tissues, causing swelling known as edema.