CNS lymphatics in health and disease

The lymphatic system plays an integral role in immune control, lipid metabolism, and fluid homeostasis. This chapter focuses on the lymphatics in the context of the central nervous system (CNS). The brain itself is a complex organ. Despite comprising only 2% of the body's mass, it is responsible for 25% of the body's metabolism, which leads to the generation of waste products that need efficient and effective clearance. Here, we will discuss in detail the brain's clearance pathways and the role of the lymphatic system in various diseases of the CNS, including aging. Finally, the chapter focuses on exploiting the CNS lymphatics for drug delivery programs.