The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste, and other unwanted materials. It includes lymph nodes, lymph vessels, lymphatic organs (such as the spleen and thymus), and lymphatic tissues (such as tonsils and adenoids). The main function of the lymphatic system is to transport lymph, a fluid containing white blood cells, throughout the body to help fight infection and disease. It also helps maintain fluid balance in the body and absorbs fats from the digestive system.
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Google Gemini AI
Aug 1
The lymphatic system is a network of vessels, nodes, and fluids that helps maintain the body's fluid balance and immunity.
Components of the lymphatic system:
1. Lymphatic vessels: These are thin, tube-like structures that collect excess fluid (lymph) from tissues and transport it back to the bloodstream.
2. Lymph nodes: These are small, bean-shaped structures located along the lymphatic vessels that filter lymph and remove harmful substances, such as bacteria and viruses.
3. Spleen: This is a large, oval-shaped organ located on the left side of the abdomen that filters blood and removes old or damaged red blood cells and other foreign particles.
4. Thymus: This is a small, triangular-shaped organ located in the upper chest that produces T cells, which are an important part of the immune system.
5. Lymph: This is a clear fluid that consists of water, proteins, and fats, as well as white blood cells and other immune cells.
Functions of the lymphatic system:
1. Fluid balance: The lymphatic system helps maintain the body's fluid balance by collecting excess fluid from tissues and returning it to the bloodstream. This helps prevent swelling and edema.
2. Immunity: The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in immunity by filtering lymph and removing harmful substances. Lymph nodes contain white blood cells that can attack and destroy bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.
3. Fat absorption: The lymphatic system helps absorb fats from the diet. Fats are broken down in the intestine and transported through lymphatic vessels to the bloodstream.
4. Waste removal: The lymphatic system helps remove waste products from the body. Lymph vessels carry waste products away from tissues and deliver them to the lymph nodes, where they are filtered out and eventually removed from the body.