What is the Difference Between Lymphatic System and Blood Circulatory System

The main difference between lymphatic system and blood circulatory system is that the lymphatic system is an open system that circulates lymph whereas the blood circulatory system is a closed system that circulates blood.

Lymphatic systems and blood circulatory systems are two types of circulatory systems that occur in the body. The lymphatic system maintains the fluid balance while the blood circulatory system carries oxygen and nutrient to the cells and removes waste products like carbon dioxide.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Lymphatic System
   • Definition, Characteristics, Importance
2. What is Blood Circulatory System
   • Definition, Characteristics, Importance
3. Similarities Between Lymphatic System and Blood Circulatory System
   • Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Lymphatic System and Blood Circulatory System
   • Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Blood Circulatory System, Lymphatic System

What is Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system is a sub-circulatory system that is part of the immune system, and complementary to the circulatory system. It is an open system consisting of lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, lymphatic or lymphoid organs, and lymphoid tissues. The vessels of the lymphatic system carry a fluid called lymph. Generally, plasma leaves the blood circulatory system through capillary filtration. Moreover, the lymphatic system provides an accessory return route for the plasma to the blood. Therefore, the main function of the lymphatic system is fluid balance.

Figure 1: Lymphatic System

Furthermore, lymph is the fluid that occurs in the lymphatic system and it is very similar to plasma.  Lymph contains cell debris, bacteria, and proteins. Lymphocytes mostly occur as the cellular component of the lymph. In addition, lymphoid organs and lymphoid tissues provide sites for the production and activation of lymphocytes. These include the lymph nodes (where the highest lymphocyte concentration is found), the spleen, the thymus, and the tonsils. Therefore, the lymphatic system has an accessory function to the immune system.

What is Blood Circulatory System

The blood circulatory system or the cardiovascular system is the circulatory system of the blood, consisting of the blood vessels and the heart. The main function of the blood circulatory system is to carry oxygen and nutrients to the cells. In addition, it removes metabolic wastes such as carbon dioxide from the body. There are two types of blood vessels; they are arteries and veins. Arteries carry blood away from the heart while veins carry blood toward the heart. Arteries and veins are connected together by the capillary network.

Figure 2: Blood Circulatory System

Moreover, blood is the fluid that circulates through the blood vessels. It contains blood plasma, blood cells, and platelets. The blood cells include red blood cells and white blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. Other circulating nutrients include proteins and minerals.    

Similarities Between Lymphatic System and Blood Circulatory System

• The lymphatic system and blood circulatory system are two types of systems in the body, circulating fluids.
• Both systems contain vessels.

Difference Between Lymphatic System and Blood Circulatory System

Definition

The lymphatic system refers to the network of vessels through which lymph drains from the tissues into the blood while the blood circulatory system refers to a system of organs that includes the heart, blood vessels, and blood which is circulated throughout the entire body.

Fluid Type

The lymphatic system carries lymph while the blood circulatory system carries blood.

Type of Circulatory System

Moreover, the lymphatic system is an open system while the blood circulatory system is a closed system.

Components

The lymphatic system contains lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, lymphoid tissue, and lymphatic organs while the blood circulatory system contains blood vessels and the heart.

Type of Vessels

The lymphatic system contains lymphatic capillaries while the blood circulatory system contains arteries and veins.

Function

The main function of the lymphatic system is fluid balance and immune function while the main function of the blood circulatory system is to carry oxygen and nutrients, removing wastes.

Conclusion

In brief, the lymphatic system and blood circulatory system are two types of circulatory systems that circulate fluids. The lymphatic system circulates lymph while the blood circulatory system circulates blood. In addition, the lymphatic system contains lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes while the blood circulatory system contains blood vessels: arteries and veins and the heart. On the other hand, the main function of the lymphatic system is fluid balance and helps the immune system function. However, the blood circulatory system carries oxygen and nutrients throughout the body while removing wastes like carbon dioxide. Therefore, the main difference between lymphatic system and blood circulatory system is their structure and function.

References:

1. Department of Health & Human Services. “Lymphatic System.” Better Health Channel, Department of Health & Human Services, 13 Oct. 1999.
2. org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. How does the blood circulatory system work? 2010 Mar 12 [Updated 2019 Jan 31]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279250/

Image Courtesy:

1. “2201 Anatomy of the Lymphatic System” By OpenStax College – Own work (CC BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “2101 Blood Flow Through the Heart” By OpenStax College – Own Work (CC BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia