Lesson: Chapter 6 — Human body processes

Heartbeat, blood pressure and lymph 3 of 3

The lymphatic system

Some plasma leaks out of the capillaries and bathes the cells as tissue fluid. Most returns to the blood; the rest drains into lymph vessels and becomes lymph.

Tissue fluid → Lymph vessels → Lymph nodes → Veins near the heart

Returning fluid

Lymph carries excess tissue fluid back to the blood.

Defence

Lymph nodes hold lymphocytes that trap and destroy germs; they swell during an infection.

Carrying fat

The lacteals of the villi take absorbed fat into the lymph.