The Lymphatic System

Functions:
 - Filters out bacteria and viruses from lymph
 - Absorbs fats and proteins
 - Removes dead cells, toxins, and excess water from tissues to allow oxygen and nutrients to get to cells

What is lymph? Lymph is a clear fluid that circulates around the body like blood. In fact, lymph contains oxygen, proteins, glucose and white blood cells found in blood. The blood plasma leaks through capillary walls to circulate through lymph vessels. Red blood cells cannot travel through capillary walls, which is why lymph is clear. Once transported, the lymph recirculates, although it lacks a pump like the heart.

Lymph Nodes

Lymph nodes are small bean-shaped organs located throughout the body, but are most concentrated in the head, neck, and thorax. There are about 100 of them in total. They store white blood cells, particularly lymphocytes (T-cells and B-cells) ready to fight infection. If an infection does occur, the lymph nodes enlarge. Lymph nodes act as filters by removing bacteria and viruses from the lymph.
http://www.lymphomation.org/lymphatic.htm

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Lymph Ducts

Lymph ducts are the route through which lymph passes through nodes. These are analogous to the blood vessels that blood passes through to and from the heart. However, the difference is that lymph travels upward in a tree-like pattern. One-way valves prevent lymph from flowing backwards.
http://en.academic.ru/dic.nsf/enwiki/182682

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Spleen

The spleen is an organ belonging to both the lymphatic and cardiovascular systems. Its job is to add lymphocytes to the blood while filtering out red blood cells. In the event that the spleen becomes damaged, other organs are able to do its job successfully.
http://www.whydoes.org/why-does-my-spleen-hurt

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Thymus Gland

During childhood, the thymus gland creates T-Lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. These cells get released into the blood stream and filtered into the lymph where they get stored into a lymph node. The thymus is most active during childhood as it prepares a child's immune system.
http://202.44.68.33/node/46112

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Tonsils

Tonsils are paired lymph nodes in the mouth. They create lymphocytes to help protect the mouth and respiratory tract, which are prone to infection. In the event that the tonsils cannot handle a severe and chronic infection, a tonsillectomy may be required to remove the tonsils.
http://www.besthealth.com/besthealth/bodyguide/reftext/html/lymp_sys_fin.html

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