Marlene is an active and otherwise healthy 57-year-old woman who has just undergone a lumpectomy, axillary dissection, and radiation therapy to treat breast cancer.

Although Marlene's surgery was performed to cure one medical problem, she will soon realize the impact that inadvertent damage to her lymphatic system can have on her overall health. Marlene's breast cancer surgery included axillary dissection or the removal of part of her lymphatic system, specifically, her armpit lymph nodes and vessels.

What is the normal function of the lymphatic system?