How Your Lymph System Works Every day, your body’s immune system
protects you from legions of invaders that attempt to infiltrate
your body. A major part of your immune system is the lymph
system. The lymph system is made up of lymph fluid, a network of
organs, lymph nodes, lymph ducts, and lymph vessels that
circulate lymph fluid to tissues and the bloodstream. Lymph
nodes and lymph vessels are part of the circulatory system. In
addition to playing a part in immunity, the lymph system
transports excess fluid and fat. Lymph is a colorless, watery
fluid that originates as blood plasma. It seeps from the small
blood vessels, or capillaries, to bring nutrients to cells and
transport waste from the cells. Most of the plasma immediately
returns to the circulatory system, but some does not. This
leftover fluid, which carries proteins, bacteria, and other
substances that are too large to be absorbed by the capillaries
of the veins in the circulatory system, is collected by the
lymphatic vessels. The lymph vessels ca