What does the lymphatic system do?

Lymph nodes: Latin lympha "water goddess" - lymph is essentially recycled blood plasma. The lymphatic system returns the interstitial fluid to the thoracic duct and then to the bloodstream, where it is recirculated back to the tissues.Tissues with lymphedema are at risk of infection and ulcer. The lymph reaches the lymph nodes where infection and cancer cells are seperated and processed by the body.