Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system is an extensive and interconnected system of vessels, tissues, and organs in the body which circulates a tissue fluid called lymph. Lymph is initially part of the blood, but as blood flows through the body, lymph slowly leaks out, taking hazardous substances with it and filtering these substances through the lymph nodes.

The lymphatic system has three interrelated functions. It is responsible for the removal of interstitial fluid from tissues. It absorbs and transports fatty acids and fats to the circulatory system helping the digestive tract process food more efficiently. The last function of the lymphatic system is the transport of antigen presenting cells (APCs), such as dendritic cells, to the lymph nodes where an immune response is stimulated.