Functional Independence measure FIM; a standardized assessment instrument of functional status that is part of the Uniform Data Set for Medical Rehabilitation; it tests 23 items in seven areas of function and uses a seven-point scale for each item.
The major components of the lymphatic system include lymph, lymphatic vessels, and lymphatic organs that contain lymphoid tissues. Lymphatic tissue can also be found in other areas of the body, such as the skin, stomach, and small intestines.
About.com states that lymph nodes are found in each part of the body except for the central nervous system. The lymph filtered by these specialized tissues refers to the clear fluid that surrounds the cells. According to About.com, the lymph nodes have an important function of filtering the lymph of pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, dead cells, wastes and cancerous cells. The lymph that is filtered is then returned to the blood to prevent edema or the excess fluid buildup in the tissues. About.com also explains that lymph nodes contain lymphocytes, which are immune system cells that are responsible for identifying and battling pathogens.