Everyone knows the circulatory system. That runs between the heart and lungs and to all extremities of your body. But in addition to this system of vessels for blood, there is a second vascular system present in the body of all mammals. This is the lymphatic system.

Structure of the lymphatic system

The function of the lymphatic system is to drain fluid, containing a number of substances. The fluid that flows through the lymphatic system is called lymph or lymphatic fluid. The lymphatic system begins in the tissues and runs through the lymphatic vessels to special nodes: the lymph nodes or lymph nodes.

Lymph fluid

Lymph fluid is clear and almost colorless. It is found in almost all parts of the body of mammals between the body cells. It consists of 95% water. The lymph fluid passes through tiny lymph capillaries to larger lymphatic vessels and finally to the lymph nodes where the fluid is filtered and returned to the bloodstream. Lymph fluid contains so-called lymphocytes (white blood cells), which play a major role in immunity. There are different types of lymphocytes: including T cells and B cells.

Functions of the lymphatic system

The lymphatic system has various functions:

• Remove waste from the body. The lymph nodes filter waste from the lymphatic fluid and ensure it is removed.

• Lymphocytes are essential in fighting infections.

• Maintaining the fluid balance in the body.

• Nourishing tissues.

• Fighting bacteria and other harmful microorganisms.

• Filtering toxins.

• Removing dead and damaged cells.

No pump

Contrary to the circulatory system, where the heart acts as a pump, the lymphatic system does not have its own pump. The fluid comes out of the blood into the tissues due to pressure differences between the (blood) capillaries and the tissues. Lymph can be drained again when a person or horse moves, movement is the engine for the 'pump function' of the lymphatic system. This explains, for example, why horses' legs improve when they walk. The legs have become thicker from accumulated lymph fluid, from standing still in the stable. By moving, the lymphatic system starts working again and the fluid is drained. Respiratory movement and contractions of blood vessels also contribute to the drainage of lymph fluid.

Many lymph nodes

The lymphatic system of horses differs from that of humans. The lymph nodes of horses are much larger (also relatively) and horses have many more lymphatic vessels than humans. The lymphatic system of horses is vulnerable to infections and because horses have long legs, it can sometimes be difficult to pump the lymphatic fluid around effectively, especially if they move little. If a lymph node is damaged, it cannot repair itself and a fluid buildup often becomes permanent.

Maintaining a healthy lymphatic system

To keep your horse's lymphatic system healthy, plenty of free movement is very important. Training also helps get the lymphatic system going. In addition, a balanced diet is important. To boost immunity, you can give your horse a herbal detox twice a year. Only do this for healthy horses. An alternative is a mild cleansing with nettle extract. This plant also has a blood-purifying effect.