Lymphatic
Lymphatic System
The Lymphatic System (pronunciation: lim-FAT-ik SIS-tem) is a part of the immune system and vascular system that helps in the removal of toxins, waste and other unwanted materials from the body.
Etymology
The term "lymphatic" is derived from the Latin word "lympha" which means "connected to water", and the Greek word "lymphos" which means "clear water".
Function
The primary function of the lymphatic system is to transport lymph, a fluid containing infection-fighting white blood cells, throughout the body. The lymphatic system also includes lymph nodes, which act as filters for harmful substances and contain immune cells that can help fight infection by attacking and destroying germs carried in through the lymph fluid.
Components
The lymphatic system consists of several components:
- Lymph: This is a clear-to-white fluid made of: White blood cells, especially lymphocytes, the cells that attack bacteria in the blood.
- Lymph vessels: These are a network of tubes throughout the body that carry lymph towards the heart.
- Lymph nodes: Small, bean-shaped structures that produce and store cells that fight infection and disease.
- Lymphoid organs: These include the adenoids, tonsils, spleen, and thymus.
Related Terms
- Lymphedema: This is a condition of localized fluid retention and tissue swelling caused by a compromised lymphatic system.
- Lymphoma: This is a group of blood malignancies that develop from lymphocytes.
- Lymphocyte: This is a type of white blood cell in the vertebrate immune system.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Lymphatic
- Wikipedia's article - Lymphatic
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