Lymphatic System

Abstract

Abstract The lymphatic system consists of a network of vessels lined with endothelial cells and interconnected lymph nodes, distributed throughout most of the body. It functions as a tissue drainage system, controlling the volume of blood and extracellular fluid and preventing tissue oedema. The lymphatic system collects tissue fluids and cells from most organs and tissues, transports it as lymph via a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic lymphatic pumps, ultimately returning these cells to blood. Dendritic cells patrol the tissues detecting danger signals and bringing foreign antigens back to the lymph nodes via afferent lymphatics where adaptive immune responses are induced. Thus, the ..