Final answer:
The lymphatic system is a network of vessels, ducts, and organs that transport fluids toward the heart. It serves functions such as the removal of excess fluid, transport of dietary lipids, and circulation of immune cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
The lymphatic system is a network of vessels, ducts, and organs that transport fluids, such as interstitial fluid and lymph, toward the heart. It serves several important functions in the body, including the removal of excess fluid from tissues, the transport of dietary lipids, and the circulation of immune cells.
The lymphatic system consists of lymphatic vessels, which carry fluid called lymph, lymph nodes, where immune responses are initiated, and organs such as the thymus and spleen, which produce and store immune cells.
For example, when excess fluid accumulates in the interstitial spaces between cells, it is collected by lymphatic vessels and transported back to the bloodstream. Lymphatic vessels also play a crucial role in the immune system by carrying immune cells throughout the body to fight against pathogens and foreign substances.