Anatomy and Physiology of the Facial Lymphatic System

This module introduces students to the structure and function of the lymphatic system with a special focus on the facial and cervical regions. Understanding how lymph circulates through the face and neck is foundational to performing safe and effective Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD).

Module 1: Anatomy & Physiology of the Facial Lymphatic System

• Overview of the facial lymphatic system
• Facial lymph nodes, vessels, and drainage patterns
• Role in immunity and skin detoxification
• Visuals:
  • Diagram of facial lymph node locations
  • Lymphatic drainage pathways of the face and neck

The lymphatic system is part of the body’s immune and circulatory systems. It plays a vital role in:

• Removing waste from tissues
• Draining excess interstitial fluid
• Supporting immune responses by transporting lymphocytes
• Maintaining fluid balance

Unlike the circulatory system, the lymphatic system has no central pump. Instead, lymph is moved by muscle activity, breathing, and manual stimulation such as MLD.

Components of the Lymphatic System

• Lymph: A clear fluid composed of water, proteins, cellular waste, and white blood cells. You have approx 3 litres of lymph in your body right now!
• Lymphatic Capillaries: Thin-walled, blind-ended vessels located just beneath the skin that absorb interstitial fluid.
• Lymphatic Vessels: A network of thin tubes that carry lymph through the body, like a highway cleanup crew. The vessels have valves and ensure lymph flows in the right direction.
• Lymph Nodes: Bean-shaped structures that filter lymph and contain immune cells. (Lymphocytes)
• Drainage Territories (Watersheds): Divisions on the face that direct lymph fluid toward specific lymph nodes.
• Lymphatic Organs: 

- Spleen, filters blood, removes old red blood cells and stores white blood cells,

- Thymus, Produces T-cells which fight infection

- Tonsils and Adenoids, guard the entrance to your throat to stop invaders in   their tracks

•   Thoracic Duct - the largest lymph vessel in your body, which drains lymph from most of the body into the bloodstream.