The Importance of the Lymphatic System in Cleaning Extracellular Fluid
The lymphatic system cleans up __________ leaked by cells
a. extracellular fluid
b. hemolymph
c. intracellular fluid
Final answer:
The lymphatic system cleans up (a.) extracellular fluid leaked by cells, reabsorbing it back into the bloodstream after filtering it through lymph nodes.
Explanation:
The lymphatic system cleans up extracellular fluid leaked by cells. Within the human body, blood capillaries undergo filtration, releasing plasma into the tissue spaces, which we refer to as interstitial fluid.
Generally, the body reabsorbs most of this fluid directly into the blood vessels. However, approximately three liters are not reabsorbed and need to be drained. The lymphatic system, consisting of various vessels, trunks, ducts, along with lymph nodes and organs like the spleen, is responsible for draining this excess fluid and returning it to the bloodstream. The lymphatic vessels transport the lymph fluid, which is much like interstitial fluid in composition, filtering it through the maze-like structure of lymph nodes where white blood cells remove pathogens and clean the lymph before it re-enters the bloodstream.
Why is the lymphatic system essential in maintaining the balance of fluids in the body? The lymphatic system is crucial in maintaining the balance of fluids in the body because it helps drain excess fluid that is not reabsorbed by the blood vessels. This excess fluid, known as interstitial fluid, needs to be removed to prevent swelling and maintain the proper function of cells and tissues.