Campbell Biology, AP Edition
9th EditionCain, Jackson, Minorsky, Reece, Urry, Wasserman
715 solutions
Fundamentals of Biochemistry: Life at the Molecular Level
5th EditionCharlotte W. Pratt, Donald Voet, Judith G. Voet
980 solutions
Principles of Life
2nd EditionDavid E. Sadava, David M. Hillis, Mary V Price, Richard W Hill
880 solutions
Fundamentals of Biochemistry
5th EditionCharlotte W. Pratt, Donald Voet, Judith G. Voet
980 solutions
Summary
Read the full fact sheet- The lymphatic system is our body’s ‘sewerage system’.
- It maintains fluid levels in our body tissues by removing all fluids that leak out of our blood vessels.
- The lymphatic system is important for the optimal functioning of our general and specific immune responses.
- The lymph nodes monitor the lymph flowing into them and produce cells and antibodies which protect our body from infection and disease.
- The spleen and thymus are lymphatic organs that monitor the blood and detect and respond to pathogens and malignant cells.
- The lymphatic system plays an important role in the absorption of fats from the intestine.
- When the lymphatic system is not formed well or has been damaged by surgery, radiotherapy or tissue damage, a swelling of a part of the body may occur (most commonly the legs or arms). When this swelling lasts more than about three months it is called lymphoedema.
- When it’s not functioning well the lymphatic system may have a role in obesity, Crohn’s disease and other disorders.
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
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