What is the purpose of lymphatic vessels in the body?

The primary purpose of lymphatic vessels is to drain excess interstitial fluid from the tissues. The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance in the body. It collects excess fluid that leaks out of blood vessels into the surrounding tissues and returns it to the bloodstream. This process helps prevent tissue swelling, or edema, and ensures that the extracellular environment remains stable for proper cellular function.

Additionally, lymphatic vessels are integral to the immune system. They transport lymph, which contains lymphocytes and other immune cells, throughout the body, helping to filter out pathogens and foreign materials. This function reinforces the role of lymphatic vessels not just in fluid balance, but also in providing an essential pathway for immune response.

In contrast, the other options describe functions that are primarily associated with other systems. For example, the transport of oxygen to tissues is a primary role of the circulatory system, while delivering nutrients to cells is also the responsibility of blood vessels. Providing a pathway for nerve signals is related to the nervous system and its network of neurons, not the lymphatic system. Therefore, focusing on the function of lymphatic vessels highlights their critical role in maintaining fluid homeostasis and supporting immune function.