The lymphatic system has an important role in the body. It is essential in maintaining a healthy immune system. It is composed of a network of vessels (lymphatic vessels) which carry harmful substances from the tissues to the lymph nodes for removal.
Functions of the Lymphatic System: The lymphatic system is a series of vessels and nodes that make up the body's immune system. The lymphatic system helps defend the body against invading infections. The lymphatic system does this by producing lymphocytes. The lymph vessels also collect any excess fluid in the body and carry it through the veins in the lymphatic system. If this were not the case our whole body would become swollen because of the excess fluid. The lymphatic system is also responsible for absorbing fats and fat-soluble vitamins from the digestive system and transporting these elements to eventually be recirculated. The lymphatic system helps maintain fluid balance throughout the body.
Components of the Lymphatic System:
Lymph: This contains nutrients, oxygen, hormones, fatty acids, as well as toxins and cellular waste products that are moved to and from cellular tissues.
Lymph Vessels: These vessels transport lymph from the body's tissue to the veins of the cardiovascular system.
Spleen: The spleen helps control the composition of blood and its components.
Lymph Nodes: The lymph nodes help monitor the composition of the body's lymph.
Thymus: This is the site of T-lymphocyte maturation, development, and control.
Functions of the Lymphatic System: The lymphatic system is a series of vessels and nodes that make up the body's immune system. The lymphatic system helps defend the body against invading infections. The lymphatic system does this by producing lymphocytes. The lymph vessels also collect any excess fluid in the body and carry it through the veins in the lymphatic system. If this were not the case our whole body would become swollen because of the excess fluid. The lymphatic system is also responsible for absorbing fats and fat-soluble vitamins from the digestive system and transporting these elements to eventually be recirculated. The lymphatic system helps maintain fluid balance throughout the body.
Components of the Lymphatic System:
Lymph: This contains nutrients, oxygen, hormones, fatty acids, as well as toxins and cellular waste products that are moved to and from cellular tissues.
Lymph Vessels: These vessels transport lymph from the body's tissue to the veins of the cardiovascular system.
Spleen: The spleen helps control the composition of blood and its components.
Lymph Nodes: The lymph nodes help monitor the composition of the body's lymph.
Thymus: This is the site of T-lymphocyte maturation, development, and control.
Photo Source for Lymphatic System Picture: http://www.gorhams.dk/assets/images/lymfesystemet.gif
Photo Source for Spleen Picture: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d6/Illu_spleen.jpg/250px-Illu_spleen.jpg
Photo Source for Spleen Picture: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d6/Illu_spleen.jpg/250px-Illu_spleen.jpg