What is the primary function of lymph nodes in the lymphatic system?

The primary function of lymph nodes within the lymphatic system is to filter lymph and combat infections. Lymph nodes act as crucial checkpoints in the lymphatic network, where lymph fluid is transported, containing pathogens, cellular debris, and other foreign substances.

Inside the lymph nodes, specialized immune cells, such as lymphocytes and macrophages, work to identify and eliminate harmful microorganisms and toxins that may have entered the body. By trapping these pathogens, lymph nodes play a critical role in the immune response, allowing the body to mount a defense against infections. Moreover, they also help in producing and storing immune cells, which are essential for detecting and responding to threats to the body’s health.

In contrast, storing oxygen is a function associated with red blood cells and not lymph nodes. Similarly, the filtration of blood is primarily a function of the kidneys and spleen, while circulating hormones is handled by the endocrine system rather than the lymphatic system. Therefore, the distinct role of lymph nodes in filtering lymph and fighting infections establishes option C as the correct answer.