12/22/2017 Lymphatic system - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Lymphatic system
In mammals, the lymphatic system is a network of thin vessels that branch,
like blood vessels, into tissues throughout the body. It is part of the immune
system. It is a one-way system which carries cells and fluid back to the blood
system.

Lymphatic vessels carry lymph, a colorless, watery fluid and white blood cells.
It comes from interstitial fluid in the tissues which is squeezed out of the blood
vessels. The lymphatic system transports infection-fighting cells called
lymphocytes, and is involved in the removal of foreign matter and cell debris
by phagocytes. A second function is to transport fats from the small intestine
to the blood.

Lymphatic fluid gathers from the tissues and enters the valved lymphatic
ducts. It is the valves which make sure the lymph flows the right way. On its
way back to the blood system, the lymph passes through glands called lymph
nodes, in places like the back of the neck, the armpits and the groin. Lymph
nodes swell in the region of an infected body part. This acts to keep the
infection from spreading. It prevents or reduces the pathogens getting into the
general blood circulation and reaching other parts of the body.

Lymph ends up back in the blood system.[1] In mammals under normal

conditions most of the lymph is returned to the blood stream through lymph-
vein communications at the base of the neck.[1]

References
1. Schwartz, Colin; Werthessen N; Wolf S. [1931] 1981. The lymphatic
circulation. In Structure and function of circulation. vol 2, 5th ed, New York:
Plenum Press. 502–503

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