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32 12.1 Introduction to the Lymphatic System

Learning Objectives

This chapter will focus on the following objectives for this course competency:

    • Address major gross and microscopic structural components of the lymphatic system
    • Describe the flow of fluid through the lymphatic system
    • Illustrate the functional relationships among the lymphatic components
    • Describe the relationship between blood, tissue, and lymphatic fluids

Introduction to the Lymphatic System[1]

The lymphatic system is a system of vessels, cells, and organs that carries excess fluids to the bloodstream and filters pathogens (disease-causing organisms) from the blood. The immune system is a complex collection of cells and organs that destroy or neutralize pathogens that would otherwise cause disease or death. The lymphatic system is associated with the immune system to such a degree that the two systems are virtually indistinguishable.


  1. Betts, J. G., Young, K. A., Wise, J. A., Johnson, E., Poe, B., Kruse, D. H., Korol, O., Johnson, J. E., Womble, M., & DeSaix, P. (2022). Anatomy and physiology 2e. OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e/pages/1-introduction

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