The spleen and thoracic duct are part of which system?

The spleen and thoracic duct are integral components of the lymphatic system, which plays a vital role in the body's immune response and fluid balance. The spleen functions to filter blood, removing old or damaged red blood cells, and helps to produce lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell essential for combating infections.

The thoracic duct, on the other hand, is the largest lymphatic vessel in the body, responsible for transporting lymph—a fluid containing infection-fighting white blood cells—back into the circulatory system. This structure collects lymph from various regions of the body, including the left side of the head, neck, chest, abdomen, and both legs, before emptying it into the subclavian vein.

Understanding the roles of the spleen and thoracic duct within the lymphatic system helps to clarify their importance in maintaining homeostasis and supporting overall immune health. Thus, the correct association of these organs with the lymphatic system highlights their functions in fluid regulation and immune defense.