Lymphatic system

The lymphatic system, or lymphoid system, is an organ system in vertebrates that is part of the immune system and complementary to the circulatory system. It consists of a large network of lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, lymphoid organs, lymphatic tissue and lymph. The Latin word for lymph, lympha, refers to the deity of fresh water, "Lympha". Unlike the circulatory system, which is a closed system, the lymphatic system is open. Lymph originates in the interstitial fluid that leaks from blood in the circulatory system into the tissues of the body. This fluid carries nutrients to the cells and collects waste products, bacteria, and damaged cells, before draining into the lymphatic vessels as lymph. The circulatory system processes an average of 20 litres (5.3 US gal) of blood per day through capillary filtration, which removes plasma from the blood. Roughly 17 litres (4.5 US gal) of the filtered blood is reabsorbed directly into the blood vessels, while the remaining 3 litres (0.79 US gal) are left in the interstitial fluid. The lymphatic system provides an accessory return route to the blood for this remainder. The other main function is that of immune defense. Lymph is very similar to blood plasma, in that it contains waste products and cellular debris, together with bacteria and proteins. The cells of the lymph are mostly lymphocytes. Associated lymphoid organs are composed of lymphoid tissue, and are the sites either of lymphocyte production or of lymphocyte activation. These include the lymph nodes (where the highest lymphocyte concentration is found), the spleen, the thymus, and the tonsils. Lymphocytes are initially generated in the bone marrow. The lymphoid organs also contain other cell types, such as stromal cells for support. Lymphoid tissue is also associated with mucosas such as mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT). These vessels carry lymph throughout...