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lymphatic system

American  

noun

  1. Anatomy, Zoology. the system by which lymph is returned from the cells to the blood and by which white blood cells are produced in response to inflammation or presence of antigens; in mammals, the system includes the lymph glands, vessels and sinuses through which lymph is carried, and lymphoid tissues, as bone marrow and the thymus.


lymphatic system British  

noun

  1. an extensive network of capillary vessels that transports the interstitial fluid of the body as lymph to the venous blood circulation

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

lymphatic system Scientific  
/ lĭm-fătĭk /
  1. A network of vessels, tissues, and organs in vertebrate animals that helps the body regulate fluid balance and fight infection. The vessels of the lymphatic system drain excess fluid, called lymph, from the tissues and return it to the circulating blood. Lymphocytes circulate throughout the lymphatic system.


lymphatic system Cultural  
  1. The network of small vessels and tissue spaces that move lymph throughout the body. The lymphatic system has several functions, including filtering out harmful bacteria; manufacturing white blood cells (white blood cells are produced by the lymph nodes); distributing nutrients to the cells of the body; helping to maintain the body's fluid balance by draining off excess fluids so that tissues do not swell; and assisting in the digestion of fats.


Etymology

Origin of lymphatic system

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Its function is somewhat similar to the lymphatic system that operates throughout the body.

From Science Daily

Later tests showed the disease had spread to his lymphatic system and liver.

From BBC

Once in, it grows slowly, then travels the body by way of the lymphatic system, which is why the disease’s characteristic nodules and ulcers often appear in the lines formed by the underlying lymph vessels.

From New York Times

Doctors eventually performed the biopsy, which resulted in the diagnosis of a form of Castleman disease, a rare, aggressive and difficult to treat disorder of the lymphatic system.

From Washington Post

“Our lymphatic system, where immune cells are, only has a finite amount of space,” Dr. Hensley said.

From New York Times