The lymphatic system is important for the protection of the body.

The functions of the lymphatic system

include:

1. Fluid balance.

30 L fluid
INTERSTITIAL SPACES (Interstitial Liquid)
BLOOD CAPILLIARIES located between the blood and lymph vessels and the cells
27 L fluid

Excess 3 L
LYMPHATIC Interstitial Fluid In addition to water, lymph
CAPILLARIES contains solutes derived
AND VESSELS
(3 L Lymph)
from two sources: (a)
Substances in plasma, such as ions, nutrients, gases, and some proteins, pass from blood capillaries into
the interstitial spaces, and then into lymphatic capillaries to become part of the lymph; (b) substances
such as hormones, enzymes, and waste products, derived from cells within the tissues, are also part of
the lymph.

2. Lipid absorption.

Lacteals, a lymphatic vessel in the lining of small intestine, allows lipids/fats and other substances from
the digestive tract to pass through the lymphatic vessels to the venous circulation. The lymph passing
through these lymphatic vessels appears white because of its lipid content and is called chyle (kīl).

3. Defense.

Pathogens, such as microorganisms and other foreign substances, are filtered from lymph by lymph
nodes and from blood by the spleen. In addition, lymphocytes and other cells are capable of destroying
pathogens. Because the lymphatic system is involved with fighting infections, as well as filtering blood
and lymph to remove pathogens, many infectious diseases produce symptoms associated with the
lymphatic system.