The Lymphatic System

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The lymphatic system is the bodies’ drainage network that keeps the bodily fluid balanced and also fights off infections to keep he body healthy. The lymphatic system is made up of a variety of lymphatic vessels and organs. (The Spleen and Lymphatic System, Teens Health) The lymphatic system as a whole is similar to the cardiovascular system and has three specific functions. The vessels for one pick up extra fluid and return it to the bloodstream. Secondly, the lacteals receive lipoproteins and then the lymphatic vessels transport these fats also to the bloodstream. Lastly, as stated previously the lymphatic system keeps the body healthy and fights infections. (Lymph Transport and Immunity, McGraw Hill) Lymphatic vessels are a pivotal part in the lymphatic system. Their role is to transport fluid away from tissues. Vessels transport a fluid known as lymph. Lymph is a clear fluid that derives from blood plasma and exits blood vessels found in the capillary beds. Lymph vessels filter the lymph before sending it to the blood vessels located near the heart. The returning of lymph helps maintain low blood pressure and help prevent excess fluid known as edema. (Lymphatic Vessels, Bailey) The smallest lymphatic vessels are called lymph capillaries. These vessels are closed at the ends and have thin walls that enable interstitial fluid to flow into the capillary vessel. Lymphatic capillaries join as lymphatic vessels that merge before entering the thoracic duct or the right lymphatic duct. The thoracic duct is the larger of the two and serves the bodies left side of the body and also the abdomen. Its job is to deliver lymph to the left subclavian vein within the cardiovascular system. The right lymphatic duct, the smaller of the two, ... ... middle of paper ... ...le weakness. There are no cures for myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, or systemic lupus erythematosus and no one knows exactly what causes autoimmune disease but most are triggered from a disabled immune system. With no cures around, these diseases must be controlled by drugs but eventually most will become to debilitating, in many cases leading to a shorter life span than others. (Lymph Transport and Immunity, McGraw Hill) Overall, the lymphatic system is crucial in enabling the body to remain healthy and fight off infection. By absorbing fats and trapping antigens, it helps to keep the body healthy and disease-free. Without the lymphatic system, people would not be able to survive and would be full of disease. In order to survive no matter if you a human or a dog, a healthy lymphatic system is necessary to the survival of these advanced species.

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