What is the main function of the lymphatic system?

The main function of the lymphatic system is to protect the body from disease. This system plays a critical role in the immune response by transporting lymph, which contains white blood cells, throughout the body. Lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, are essential for identifying and attacking pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. Moreover, the lymphatic system helps to filter and remove foreign substances, such as debris and toxins, from the lymph fluid. By facilitating the movement of immune cells and promoting the formation of antibodies, the lymphatic system is integral to the body’s defense mechanisms, helping to maintain overall health and combat infections.

In contrast, the other options do not pertain directly to the role of the lymphatic system. For instance, supporting the skeleton relates to the skeletal system, providing energy to muscles pertains to the muscular system and the metabolic processes within it, and assisting in digestion is the primary function of the digestive system. Thus, the lymphatic system's primary role in immunity distinguishes it from those functions.