The lymphatic system is the body's drainage network that maintains the balance of body fluids and also fights infections to keep the body healthy. The lymphatic system is made up of various lymphatic vessels and organs. (The Spleen and Lymphatic System, Teens Health) The lymphatic system as a whole is similar to the cardiovascular system and has three specific functions. The vessels capture excess fluid and return it to the bloodstream. Second, the lactoses receive lipoproteins, and then the lymphatic vessels also transport these fats to the bloodstream. Finally, as previously stated, the lymphatic system keeps the body healthy and fights infections. (Lymph Transport and Immunity, McGraw Hill)Lymphatic vessels play an essential role in the lymphatic system. Their role is to evacuate fluids from the tissues. The vessels carry a fluid called lymph. Lymph is a clear fluid that derives from blood plasma and exits blood vessels located in capillary beds. Lymphatic vessels filter lymph before sending it to blood vessels near the heart. The return of lymph helps keep blood pressure low and prevents excess fluid called edema. (Lymphatic Vessels, Bailey) The smallest lymphatic vessels are called lymphatic capillaries. These vessels are closed at the ends and have thin walls that allow interstitial fluid to flow into the capillary vessel. Lymphatic capillaries join together as lymphatic vessels that merge before entering the thoracic duct or right lymphatic duct. The thoracic duct is the larger of the two and serves the left side of the body as well as the abdomen. Its role is to transport lymph to the left subclavian vein of the cardiovascular system. The right lymphatic duct, the smaller of the two, ...... middle of paper ...... weakness. There is no cure for myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis, diabetes or systemic lupus erythematosus and no one knows exactly what causes autoimmune diseases, but most are triggered by a disabled immune system. In the absence of a cure, these illnesses must be controlled with medication, but most will eventually become debilitating, in many cases resulting in a shorter lifespan than others. (Lymph Transport and Immunity, McGraw Hill) Overall, the lymphatic system is crucial for the body to stay healthy and fight infections. By absorbing fats and trapping antigens, it helps keep the body healthy and disease-free. Without the lymphatic system, people would not be able to survive and would be full of diseases. In order to survive, whether you are a human or a dog, a healthy lymphatic system is necessary for the survival of these advanced species..