Lymphatic vessel Facts

In anatomy, lymphatic vessels (or lymph vessels or lymphatics) are thin-walled, valved structures that carry lymph.

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As part of the lymphatic system, lymph vessels are complementary to the cardiovascular system.

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Lymph vessels are lined by endothelial cells, and have a thin layer of smooth muscles.

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Lymph capillaries are slightly larger than their counterpart capillaries of the vascular system.

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Lymph vessels that carry lymph to a lymph node are called the afferent lymph vessel.

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The lymph may travel to another lymph node, may be returned to a vein, or may travel to a larger lymph duct.

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Lymph ducts drain the lymph into one of the subclavian veins and thus return it to general circulation.

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Lymph flows away from the tissues to lymph nodes and eventually to either the right lymphatic duct or the largest lymph vessel in the body, the thoracic duct.

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The lymph capillaries drain the lymph to larger contractile lymphatics, which have valves as well as smooth muscle walls.

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Lymph vessels act as reservoirs for plasma and other substances including cells that have leaked from the vascular system.

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Transport lymph fluid back from the tissues to the circulatory system.

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Without functioning lymph vessels, lymph cannot be effectively drained and edema typically results.

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Afferent lymphatic vessels are only found in lymph nodes.

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In contrast to efferent lymphatic vessel which are also found in the thymus and spleen.

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Efferent lymphatic vessels are also found in the thymus and spleen.

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In contrast to afferent lymphatic vessels, which are found only in lymph nodes.

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