Abstract: The lymphatic vessel system is composed of capillary lymphatic vessels, lymphatic vessels and lymphatic ducts. The flow of lymph in the lymphatic vessel system forms the lymphatic circulation. Lymphatic circulation represents a significant supplementary part of the blood circulation, and plays an important role in the metabolic substance transportation, immune response, osmotic pressure maintenance and water balance. It is a traditional view that the central nervous system lacks lymphatic vessels and there is no lymphatic circulation in the central nervous system. However, studies regarding central nervous system lymphatic circulation and meningeal lymphatic vessels during recent years have overturned the traditional notions.

Key words: central nervous system, meningeal lymphatic vessel, lymphatic circulation, perivascular space, deep cervical lymph node