Does the lymphatic system remove bacteria and viruses from the blood?

The lymphatic system is made up of larger lymphatic trunks, lymph nodes, and a variety of microscopic lymphatic channels and vessels; although they are not involved in lymph drainage, the spleen and thymus are nevertheless regarded as components of the system.

The lymphatic vessels originate in the interstitium and intercellular spaces and are blindly starting vessels lined with single epithelial cells without any muscular layer.

These remove extra fluid, or lymph, that was left over from the capillary blood exchange. They also carry different cells, such as APCs (antigen presenting cells), which, as their name implies, present foreign antigens to T-cells or B-cells in the lymph nodes, depending on the type of antigen, and initiate an immune response.

Additionally, the lymph may transport viruses and bacteria to the lymph nodes, where they initiate the reaction on their own.

The lymph nodes serve as the first entry point for these antigens coming from the periphery and are home to a variety of immune-related cells.

The lymph then moves through smaller channels that eventually converge to form larger channels, all of which form or empty into the Thoracic duct, which empties into the junction of the left subclavian vein and left jugular vein.

Synopsis:

Yes, the lymphatic system removes bacteria and viruses from the blood.