Lipid absorption. Lymphatic vessels such as lacteals in the intestines absorb and transport large molecules, fats, and lipids in the digestive system mainly in the form of lipoprotein such as chylomicrons. The lymphatic system absorbs lipids and other substances from the digestive tract through lymphatic vessels called lacteals located in the lining of the small intestine. Lipids enter the lacteals and pass through the lymphatic vessels to the venous circulation. The lymph passing through these lymphatic vessels, called …show more content…
chyle, appears white because of its lipid content.
Defense.
The lymphatic system serves as a conduit for trafficking of lymphocytes and antigen-presenting cells to regional lymph nodes, where the immune system encounters pathogens, microbes, and other immune elicitors. Microorganisms and other foreign substances are filtered from lymph by lymph nodes and from blood by the spleen. In addition, lymphocytes and other cells are capable of destroying microorganisms and other foreign substances. Because the lymphatic system fights infections, and filters blood and lymph to remove microorganisms, many infectious diseases produce symptoms associated with the lymphatic
system
Seeley. R., VanPutte, C., Regan, J., & Russo, A. (2011). Seeley's Anatomy and Physiology (9th ed.). New York, New York: McGraw-Hill