Lymphatic capillaries, collecting vessels, lymphatic trunks, collecting ducts, and subclavian veins
makeup of lymph nodes
numerous B and T lymphocytes and macrophages that remove bacteria, cellular debris and cancer cells from the lymph fluid
tunica externa
outer layer of a blood vessel or collecting vessel which connects it to surrounding tissues
when fluid builds up in the interstitial spaces
cells are pulled apart and interstitial fluid flows into the lumen of the lymphatic capillary
reticular cells
a type of macrophage
collecting vessels
are formed by merging lymphatic capillaries; contain numerous valves that assist lymph transport
why the pulsing of blood in the arteries assists the flow of lymph
because lymphatic vessels often travel alongside veins and arteries
structural similarity between collecting vessels and venules
both are composed of: tunica interna, tunica media, tunica externa
tunica interna
contain valves to assist one way flow
composition of lymphatic capillaries
endothelial cells that overlap each other like shingles; unlike blood capillaries, they are not held together by tight junctions
lymphatic trunks
lymphatic vessels which drain lymph from large areas of the body and drain into one of the two large collecting ducts
subclavian veins
receive lymph fluid from the two collecting ducts and mixes it with blood
thoracic duct
receives lymph from all parts of the body below the diaphragm as well as the left side of the face, neck, thorax, and left upper extremity
right lymphatic duct
receives lymph from the right side of the face, neck, thorax, and right upper extremity
tunica media
rhythmic contractions of smooth muscle squeeze lymph through these vessels
origination of lymphatic capillaries
the interstitial spaces of the tissues
reticular fibers
thin collagen fibers
why numerous lymph nodes are located along lymphatic vessels
to filter and cleanse the lymph
collecting ducts
where all lymphatic trunks drain