Lymphatic System

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What is the lymphatic system?

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A network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste, and other unwanted materials. It primarily transports lymph, a fluid containing infection-fighting white blood cells.

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What is interstitial fluid?

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A solution that bathes and surrounds the tissue cells of multicellular animals. It is the main component of the extracellular fluid, which also includes plasma and transcellular fluid.

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What are tonsils?

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A pair of soft tissue masses located at the rear of the throat (pharynx). Each tonsil is composed of tissue similar to lymph nodes, covered by pink mucosa.

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What is the thymus?

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A specialized primary lymphoid organ of the immune system. Within the thymus, T cells or T lymphocytes mature. These are critical to the adaptive immune system.

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What is the spleen?

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An organ in the upper far left part of the abdomen, to the left of the stomach. It acts as a filter for blood as part of the immune system. Old red blood cells are recycled in the spleen, and platelets and white blood cells are stored there.

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What is lymph?

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A fluid that circulates throughout the lymphatic system. It is formed when the interstitial fluid is collected through lymph capillaries.

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What are lymph nodes?

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Small, bean-shaped structures that are part of the body's immune system. They filter substances that travel through the lymphatic fluid, and they contain lymphocytes (white blood cells) that help the body fight infection and disease.