What are the dual functions of the lymphatic system?

The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance in the body and providing immune responses. Its dual functions include the filtering and recycling of interstitial fluid back into the bloodstream, which helps regulate the body's fluids and prevent edema. The lymphatic system also serves as an essential component of the immune system; it transports lymph, which contains lymphocytes and other immune cells, to help fight against infections and diseases.

When the body experiences an infection, the lymphatic system helps to identify pathogens and mobilize immune responses through the production of antibodies and the activation of various immune cells. Lymph nodes, present throughout the lymphatic system, act as filtration stations that trap and destroy foreign substances, further contributing to the body's defense mechanisms.

The other options do not accurately reflect the functions of the lymphatic system. For example, transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide is primarily the role of the circulatory system, while regulating body temperature and providing energy is more related to metabolic processes and thermoregulation. Producing hormones and storing minerals are functions associated with the endocrine and skeletal systems, respectively. Thus, the dual functions of filtering and recycling fluid and fighting infections aptly encapsulate the vital roles of the lymphatic system.