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The lymphatic system
consists of lymph nodes (or lymph glands) and lymphatics
(the small vessels that link the lymph nodes). It
returns excess fluid to the circulation and helps fight
infection and cancer.
The lymph nodes (which generally occur in
clusters in the neck, armpits, and groin) produce some
white blood cells and antibodies that help protect
against infection. The right lymphatic duct and the
thoracic duct drain lymph fluids into two veins that
come together to form the inferior vena cava, which
passes into the heart. The cisterna chyli is a widened
portion of the thoracic duct, where fluids from several
lymph-collecting vessels are received. The spleen
removes and destroys worn-out red blood cells and helps
fight infection.
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