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Lymphatic Vessels
Lymphatic Vessel Histology
- Collect interstitial fluid, carry it to lymph nodes, and ultimately return it to systemic circulation via the thoracic ducts.
- Interstitial fluid comprises blood plasma, white blood cells, and other elements.
- Larger vessels have multiple layers of smooth muscle that contract to propel the lymph.
- Valves arise from the tunica intima to promote unidirectional flow.
- Anchoring filaments attach the vessel to surrounding interstitium.
- Interstitial lymph enters through the openings in the vessel wall
Lymphedema
- Because the valves prevent backflow, lymph fluid travels unidrectionally. If the valves fail, lymph fluid pools and causes lymphedema (as with varicose veins, this is particularly relevant in the extremities).
Cancer metastasis
- Cancer cells can break from a tumor and travel within the lymph vessels;