These cells work to attack and destroy germs and remove them from the blood that passes through the spleen. One of the lymphatic system's major jobs is to collect extra lymph fluid from body tissues and return it to the blood. This is important because water, proteins, and other substances are always leaking out of tiny blood capillaries into the surrounding body tissues.
If the lymphatic system didn't drain the excess fluid, the lymph fluid would build up in the body's tissues, making them swell. The lymphatic system is a network of very small tubes or vessels that drain lymph fluid from all over the body. The major parts of the lymph tissue are located in the:. The lymphatic system also helps defend the body against germs viruses, bacteria, and fungi that can cause illnesses. Those germs are filtered out in the lymph nodes, small clumps of tissue along the network of lymph vessels.
Inside the lymph nodes, lymphocytes called T-cells and B-cells help the body fight infection. B cells make antibodies — special proteins that stop infections from spreading by trapping disease-causing germs and destroying them. Most of our lymph nodes are in clusters in the neck, armpit, and groin area.
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Common Health Topics. Disorders of the lymphatic system. Lymphatic Disorders. Test your knowledge. Swelling is a condition caused by excess fluid in the tissues.
The fluid involved in swelling is primarily water. Swelling may occur in one or several parts of the body, often the feet and lower legs. Swelling that occurs throughout the body has different causes than swelling in a single limb or part of a limb. Which of the following is a frequent cause of swelling in a single limb or part of a limb? More Content.
Click here for the Professional Version. Thin-walled lymphatic vessels. Proteins, minerals, nutrients, and other substances, which provide nourishment to tissues. The lymphatic system may not carry out its function adequately due to. Was This Page Helpful? The microscopic lymph capillaries merge to form lymphatic vessels. Small lymphatic vessels join to form larger tributaries, called lymphatic trunks , which drain large regions.
Lymphatic trunks merge until the lymph enters the two lymphatic ducts. The right lymphatic duct drains lymph from the upper right quadrant of the body. The thoracic duct drains all the rest. Like veins , the lymphatic tributaries have thin walls and have valves to prevent backflow of blood. There is no pump in the lymphatic system like the heart in the cardiovascular system.
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