LYMPHATIC SYSTEM Meaning and
Definition
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The lymphatic system is a complex network of tissues, organs, and vessels that play a vital role in maintaining the body's immune response and fluid balance. It acts as a drainage system, carrying a colorless fluid called lymph throughout the body to remove waste products, toxins, and excess fluids from tissues and cells.
The lymphatic system consists of several key components. Lymph vessels, similar to blood vessels, transport lymph fluid throughout the body. Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures that filter and remove harmful substances from the lymph fluid. These nodes are found in clusters, particularly in the neck, armpits, and groin areas. The lymphatic system also includes organs such as the spleen, thymus, and tonsils, which help produce and store immune cells known as lymphocytes.
One of the primary functions of the lymphatic system is to support the body's immune response. Lymph nodes contain white blood cells called lymphocytes that help recognize and eliminate foreign invaders like bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells. Moreover, the lymphatic system aids in the absorption of dietary fats and fat-soluble vitamins from the digestive system into the bloodstream.
If the lymphatic system becomes damaged or compromised, it may result in lymphedema, a condition where fluid accumulates in tissues and causes swelling. Diseases such as lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects lymphocytes, can also impact the lymphatic system's function.
Understanding the lymphatic system is essential in comprehending the body's immune defenses and its ability to maintain fluid balance, making it a crucial component of human physiology.
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The lymphatic spaces, vessels, and glands, including the lacteals.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
- kymphatic system
- pymphatic system
- oymphatic system
- ltmphatic system
- lgmphatic system
- lhmphatic system
- lumphatic system
- l7mphatic system
- l6mphatic system
- lynphatic system
- lykphatic system
- lyjphatic system
- lymohatic system
- lymlhatic system
- lym-hatic system
- lym0hatic system
- lympgatic system
- lympbatic system
- lympnatic system
Etymology of LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
The term "lymphatic system" originates from the word "lymph", which comes from the Latin "lympha", meaning "water". This term was introduced by the ancient Roman physician, Aulus Cornelius Celsus, who used it to describe the clear fluid that leaks from blood vessels into body tissues and returns to the blood through small vessels. The word "lymphatic" is derived from the Latin word "lymphaticus", which refers to "pertaining to or producing lymph". The word "system" comes from the Latin "systema", meaning "a whole compounded of several parts". Thus, the term "lymphatic system" refers to the network of vessels, organs, and tissues that collect, filter, and transport lymph throughout the body.
Similar spelling words for LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
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