Overview of the Lymphatic System A well-functioning lymphatic system is essential for maintaining good health. The lymphatic system consists of a network of lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, lymphatic ducts and organs that can be compared to a drainage system in the body. Lymphatic drainage function The main task of the lymphatic system is to transport lymph consisting of…. Lymph helps cleanse the body of waste, toxins, and other foreign particles, such as infectious microorganisms. Lymph is formed from interstitial fluid in body tissues. The lymphatic system is a subsystem of the circulatory system (define all components of the circulatory system?), however, unlike blood, lymph only flows in one direction (Zimmerman, 2013). Lymphatic vessels have a starting point in tissues as lymphatic capillaries that permeate almost all tissues of the body. The lymph is collected by the lymphatic capillaries and then travels to the neck through the lymphatic vessels. Valves and muscle contractions prevent lymph from flowing backwards through the vessels. As it travels, the lymph is filtered by lymph nodes, small bean-shaped masses made up of lymphatic tissue, looking for viral and bacterial pathogens and cancer cells. Lymph drains into larger vessels that join to form lymphatic trunks connected to veins at the base of the neck. The lymph is then drained into the right and left subclavian veins which return the filtered lymph to the venous blood flow ("Lymphatic System", 2013). Lymphatic Function in the Immune Response In addition to serving as a drainage system, the lymphatic system, along with the lymphoid tissues and organs play a vital role in the body's immune system to create an immune response. The body... middle of the paper... Retrieved December 9, 2013, from http://medicalnewstoday.com/articles/146136.php Lymphatic system. (2013). In the online Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved November 16, 2013, from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/352770/lymphatic-systemStoppler, MD, MC (2007, January 31). Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: differences and similarities on MedicineNet.com. Retrieved December 9, 2013, from http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=79261Turley, Susan M. (2014). Medical language (third ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: PearsonEducation, Inc. Zimmerman, K. A. (2013, February 8). Lymphatic System: Facts, Functions and DiseasesLiveScience. Retrieved November 16, 2013, from http://livescience.com/26983-lymphatic-system.html