lymphatic system
The lymphatic system consists of lymph vessels and several organs. ... One of the functions of this organ system is to pick up extra tissue fluid and redeposit it into the bloodstream. It also serves as the body’s defense system against disease. The lymphatic system has nothing to pump lymph through the vessels, so it depends on gravity, muscle movement, and breathing. ... This creates excess tissue fluid, which is taken in by the lymphatic capillaries. ... The vessels then split into either the right lymphatic duct or the thoracic duct. ... The right lymphatic duct serves the right arm, right side of head and neck, and the right thoracic area. ... This is where the lymph gets dumped back into the blood flow, the lymphatic system’s first function. One of the first accessory organs in this system is the lymph nodes. ... One disease that the lymphatic system can have is lymphedema, which is the chronic swelling or feeling of tightness due to an accumulation of lymph fluid. This condition forms when the flow of the lymphatic vessels is stopped.