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The lymphatic system is a network of vessels and nodes that plays a crucial role in the body's immune defense and fluid balance. It is part of the circulatory system and the immune system. This system is composed of lymph, lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, and lymphatic organs such as the spleen, tonsils, and thymus.

Lymph is a clear to yellowish fluid that circulates throughout the lymphatic vessels. It contains white blood cells, primarily lymphocytes, which are essential for fighting infections. Lymph is formed from interstitial fluid, which surrounds the body's cells. This fluid enters the lymphatic capillaries and becomes lymph.

The lymphatic vessels transport lymph away from tissues and back to the bloodstream. Along the way, lymph passes through lymph nodes. These small, bean-shaped structures filter the lymph, trapping and destroying foreign substances like bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells. The lymphocytes within the lymph nodes then mount an immune response against these invaders.

The spleen filters blood and houses lymphocytes, while the tonsils and adenoids, located in the throat and nasal cavity respectively, trap pathogens entering through the mouth and nose. The thymus, located in the chest, is where T lymphocytes mature.

The lymphatic system also helps maintain fluid balance by collecting excess fluid and proteins from the tissues and returning them to the blood circulation. Without this function, tissues would swell due to fluid accumulation, a condition known as lymphedema. Disruptions to the lymphatic system can lead to various health problems, including infections and swelling.