lymphatic system
noun
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.
Also called
lymph system.
Origin of lymphatic system
First recorded in 1820–30
Words nearby lymphatic system
British Dictionary definitions for lymph system
lymphatic system
noun
an extensive network of capillary vessels that transports the interstitial fluid of the body as lymph to the venous blood circulation
Medical definitions for lymph system
lymphatic system
n.
The interconnected system of spaces and vessels between body tissues and organs by which lymph circulates throughout the body.
Scientific definitions for lymph system
lymphatic system
[ lĭm-făt′ĭk ]
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.
Cultural definitions for lymph system
lymphatic system
[ (lim-fat-ik) ]
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.