Introduction
- lymph – a fluid that resembles plasma but with much lower concentrations of proteins
- lymphatic vessels – called lymphatics, a network that carries lymph from peripheral tissues to the venous system
- lymphoid organs – including lymph nodes, tonsils, thymus gland, and spleen. They are connected to lymphatic vessels and contain large numbers of lymphocytes.
- lymphatic tissues – connective tissues dominated by lymphocytes
- Its vessels return cleansed tissue fluid to the blood.
- Its capillaries (lacteals) play an important role in the intestinal absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins.
- Its tissues help the body defend itself against disease.
This page was updated in December 2005.
