The lymphatic system returns leaked fluid from tissues back to the bloodstream. It consists of lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, and lymphoid organs. Lymphatic vessels collect fluid from tissues into lymph, which is transported towards the heart by muscle contractions, breathing, and one-way valves in vessels. Lymph nodes filter lymph and activate immune cells. The spleen, thymus, tonsils, Peyer's patches, and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue help the immune system develop and respond to pathogens.