Structure of The Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is a collection system which starts in the tissue space as initial lymph collectors that have fenestrated openings to allow fluid and particles to enter. These initial lymph collectors are valveless vessels and go on to form the precollector vessels which have rudimentary valves which are not considered to be fully functional. These structures go on to form increasingly larger lymphatic vessels which form co-laterals and have lymph-angions (lymph hearts). The lymphatic system, once thought to be passive is now known to be an active pumping system with active pumping segments with a function similar to that of peristalsis. Lymph hearts have stretch receptors and smooth muscle tissue embedded in their walls. The lymphatic vessels make their way to the lymph nodes and from the lymph nodes the vessels form into trunks which connect to the internal jugular group of veins in the neck.
Read more about this topic: Interstitial Fluid
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