Lymph then passes into much larger lymph vessels known as lymph ducts. These vessels carry the lymph throughout the body, passing through numerous lymph nodes which filter out unwanted materials such as bacteria and damaged cells. The fluid bathes the tissues as interstitial fluid, collecting waste products, bacteria, and damaged cells, and then drains as lymph into the lymphatic capillaries and lymphatic vessels. įluid from circulating blood leaks into the tissues of the body by capillary action, carrying nutrients to the cells. Lymphoid tissue is also associated with mucosas such as mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT). The lymphoid organs also contain other types of cells such as stromal cells for support. Lymphocytes are initially generated in the bone marrow.
These include the lymph nodes (where the highest lymphocyte concentration is found), the spleen, the thymus, and the tonsils. Associated lymphoid organs are composed of lymphoid tissue, and are the sites either of lymphocyte production or of lymphocyte activation. The cells of the lymph are mostly lymphocytes. Lymph is very similar to blood plasma, in that it contains waste products and cellular debris, together with bacteria and proteins. The other main function is that of immune defense. One of the main functions of the lymphatic system is to provide an accessory return route to the blood for the surplus three litres. Roughly 17 litres of the filtered blood is reabsorbed directly into the blood vessels, while the remaining three litres are left in the interstitial fluid. The human circulatory system processes an average of 20 litres of blood per day through capillary filtration, which removes plasma from the blood.
Unlike the cardiovascular system, the lymphatic system is not a closed system. The vessels carry a clear fluid called lymph (the Latin word lympha refers to the deity of fresh water, " Lympha") towards the heart. It is made up of a large network of lymph, lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, lymphatic or lymphoid organs, and lymphoid tissues. The lymphatic system, or lymphoid system, is an organ system in vertebrates that is part of the circulatory system and the immune system.