Hand with surgical glove holding a clear, sealed tube three-quarters full of blood between forefinger and middle finger.

Circulatory and lymphatic systems

The circulatory and lymphatic systems run throughout the body and are closely linked. For example, both systems play a central – and often even joint – role in defending against pathogens and in vital metabolic processes. The disorders of the circulatory and lymphatic systems and their potential consequences are correspondingly diverse.