What are the functions of the lymphatic system?

Functions of the lymphatic system include:

• Balancing fluid levels in the body by collecting excess fluid from the body’s tissues and returning it to the bloodstream
• Filtering out waste products and damaged cells
• Producing and releasing lymphocytes and other immune cells that protect the body by identifying and killing foreign invaders such as viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi 
• Helping the body absorb fats and other large molecules that cannot pass through the tiny pores in the capillary walls