Comments on: The Lymphatic System

By: Donskie F

Donskie F — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 13:04:59 +0000

There are three main functions of lymphatic system.
First of all, it returns excess interstitial fluid to the blood.

The third and probably most well known function of the lymphatic system is defense against invading microorganisms and disease. Lymph nodes and other lymphatic organs filter the lymph to remove microorganisms and other foreign particles. Lymphatic organs contain lymphocytes that destroy invading organisms.

Hope that may idea can help you…
References :

By: ladiej

ladiej — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 13:02:59 +0000

Yes,
1) Helps maintain the fluid balance between the blood vessels and the tissues (transports lymph fluid from tissues to the circulatory system)
2) Absorbs digested fats from the small intestine.
3) Is the producers of immune cells such as lymphocytes

Hope that helps!
References :

By: 盟主灸舞

盟主灸舞 — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 13:00:59 +0000

The lymphatic system has three primary functions. First of all, it returns excess interstitial fluid to the blood. Of the fluid that
leaves the capillary, about 90 percent is returned. The 10 percent that does not return becomes part of the interstitial fluid that surrounds the tissue cells. Small protein molecules may "leak" through the capillary wall and increase the osmotic pressure of the interstitial fluid. This further inhibits the return of fluid into the capillaries, and fluid tends to accumulate in the tissue spaces. If this continues, blood volume and blood pressure decrease significantly and the volume of tissue fluid increases, which results in edema (swelling). Lymph capillaries pick up the excess interstitial fluid and proteins and return them to the venous blood. After the fluid enters the lymph capillaries, it is called lymph.

The second function of the lymphatic system is the absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins from the digestive system and the subsequent transport of these substances to the venous circulation. The mucosa that lines the small intestine is covered with fingerlike projections called villi. There are blood capillaries and special lymph capillaries, called lacteals, in the center of each villus. The blood capillaries absorb most nutrients, but the fats and fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed by the lacteals. The lymph in the lacteals has a milky appearance due to its high fat content and is called chyle.

hope you've found something useful from here:) enjoy learning more about biology:))))
References :

By: shairea

shairea — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 12:58:59 +0000

"to collect and return interstitial fluid, including plasma protein to the blood,
and thus help maintain fluid balance,

to defend the body against disease by producing lymphocytes,

to absorb lipids from the intestine and transport them to the blood."
References :
jdaross.mcmail.net

By: bob

bob — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 12:56:59 +0000

The lymphatic system is a system of thin tubes that runs throughout the body. These tubes are called 'lymph vessels'. You may also hear them called 'lymphatic vessels'
The lymphatic system is like the blood circulation - the tubes branch through all parts of the body like the arteries and veins that carry blood. Except that the lymphatic system carries a colourless liquid called 'lymph'.

Lymph is a clear fluid that circulates around the body tissues. It contains a high number of lymphocytes (white blood cells). Plasma leaks out of the capillaries to surround and bathe the body tissues. This then drains into the lymph vessels.
The fluid, now called lymph, then flows through the lymphatic system to the biggest lymph vessel - the thoracic duct. The thoracic duct then empties back into the blood circulation.
References :
http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page=117#what_is_

By: Gina Day

Gina Day — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 12:54:59 +0000

The lymphatic system has three interrelated functions: (1) removal of excess fluids from body tissues, (2) absorption of fatty acids and subsequent transport of fat, as chyle, to the circulatory system and, (3) production of immune cells such as lymphocytes (e.g. antibody producing plasma cells) and monocytes.

Hope that helps!
References :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lymphatic_system

By: Alyssa K

Alyssa K — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 08:52:05 +0000

lymphatic system?
Does anybody know what the three main functions of the lymphatic system are??? Thanks a lot!!