What is the Lymphatic System?

Question 1

What is the lymphatic system?

Answer 1

The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste and other unwanted materials

Question 2

What is the primary function of the lymphatic system?

Answer 2

To transport lymph throughout the body

Question 3

What is lymph?

Answer 3

A pale fluid containing infection-fighting white blood cells

Question 4

What does lymph do?

Answer 4

It bathes the tissues of an organism, maintaining fluid balance, and removes bacteria from tissues

Question 5

How does lymph enter the blood system?

Answer 5

By way of lymphatic channels and ducts

Question 6

What does the lymphatic system primarily consist of?

Answer 6

The lymphatic system primarily consists of lymphatic vessels, which are similar to the veins and capillaries of the circulatory system

Question 7

What are the functions of the lymphatic system?

Answer 7

• transport clean fluids back to the blood
• drains excess fluids from the tissues
• removes “debris” from cells of body
• transports fats from digestive system
• production of immune cells

Question 8

Why is fluid balance important?

Answer 8

• water, proteins and other substances are continuously leaking out of tiny blood capillaries into the surrounding body tissues
• if excess fluid wasn’t drained from tissues, lymph fluid would build up in the body’s tissues and they would swell

Question 9

What does the lymphatic system produce?

Answer 9

• immune cells such as:
• lymphocytes
• monocytes
• antibody producing cells called plasma cells