- Lymphatic vessels are crucial components of the lymphatic system, forming a network of thin-walled, branching tubes that transport lymph—a clear fluid containing excess interstitial fluid, proteins, waste, and immune cells.
- They maintain fluid balance by returning excess fluid from tissues to the bloodstream.
Categories of Lymphatic Vessels
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Lymphatic Capillaries
- Smallest lymphatic vessel, composed of a single layer of endothelial cells.
- Specialized structure allows absorption of excess interstitial fluid and large molecules.
- Found in nearly all body tissues except the CNS, avascular tissues, and bone marrow.
Collecting Lymphatic Vessels
- Larger vessels that gather lymph from lymphatic capillaries.
- Contain smooth muscle cells and valves to prevent backflow.
- Transport lymph through lymph nodes, where it is filtered, and immune cells detect and eliminate pathogens.
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Lymphatic Trunks
- Formed by the convergence of collecting lymphatic vessel after they pass through lymph nodes.
- Drain lymph from specific body regions, such as the jugular trunk (head and neck) and lumbar trunk (lower limbs and pelvis).
Lymphatic Ducts
- The final stage of lymphatic vessel, consisting of the right lymphatic duct and the thoracic duct.
- The right lymphatic duct drains lymph from the right side of the head, neck, upper limb, and thorax.
- The thoracic duct drains lymph from the rest of the body.
- Both ducts empty lymph into the venous system at the junction of the internal jugular and subclavian veins.
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