Which function is NOT associated with the lymphatic system?

The function associated with the lymphatic system that does not belong is the transportation of hormones to interstitial smooth muscle. The primary roles of the lymphatic system involve maintaining fluid balance in the body, filtering lymph to remove pathogens, facilitating the absorption of fats, and returning interstitial fluid to the bloodstream.

To elaborate, the lymphatic system plays a crucial role in immune function by filtering lymph through lymph nodes where pathogens and debris are trapped and destroyed. It also assists in fat absorption by transporting dietary lipids from the digestive system into the bloodstream through specialized lymphatic vessels called lacteals. Additionally, one of its primary functions is to return excess interstitial fluid, which is collected from tissues, back to the circulatory system, maintaining fluid homeostasis.

Hormonal transport, on the other hand, is primarily the function of the endocrine system, which uses the bloodstream to distribute hormones to various tissues, including smooth muscle. Thus, the lymphatic system is not involved in the transport of hormones, making this function distinctly separate from its established roles.