Lymphatic system removes waste from "summary" of Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology by Frederic Martini,Edwin F. Bartholomew,Judi Lindsley Nath

The lymphatic system is responsible for removing waste from the body and maintaining a healthy balance of fluid throughout our cells, tissues and organs. It does this by absorbing and carrying away excess tissue fluid, proteins, lipids, debris and microbes and delivering them to either the blood or another lymph node.

The lymphatic system works alongside with other systems of the body like the cardiovascular system and it has one-way valves in its vessel walls which prevent contractions from flowing the wrong way. This helps maintain pressure and keep the flow of lymph going in the right direction.

It consists of a network of vessels, nodes, ducts, and glands that are connected to discharged fluids around different parts of the body. It transports these materials back to the circulatory system as well as help in filtering out gravid particles such as bacteria or unwanted metabolic byproducts before they reach the lungs, liver, kidneys, and other organs.

Additionally, it also plays an important role in immune responses. Lymph nodes, in particular, contain white blood cells (WBCs. that help destroy pathogens that have leaked into nearby lymphatic vessels. WBCs act on antigens and identify antigens which are present in foreign bodies.

These antigens then stimulate B and T cells to produce antibodies that can fight off the invading organism. In short, the lymphatic system works to protect the body against harmful microorganisms, provide immunity, remove excess fluids and urban wastes, plus, aid in transport of hormones, vitamins, nutrients and other substances needed for healthy cell growth and development.