lymph fluid drains into the thoracic duct in order to go back into the cardiovascular system.
lymph fluid drains into the thoracic duct in order to go back into the cardiovascular system.
which duct does lymph fluid drain in order to go back into the cardiovascular system?
thoracic duct
lymph is formed from the fluid that filters out of the blood circulation and contains proteins, cellular debris, bacteria, etc. the collection of this fluid is carried out by the initial lymph collectors that are blind-ended epithelial-lined vessels with fenestrated openings that allow fluids and particles as large as cells to enter. once inside the lumen of the lymphatic vessels, the fluid is guided along increasingly larger vessels, first with rudimentary valves to prevent backflow, which later develop into complete valves similar to the venous valve. once the lymph enters the fully valved lymphatic vessels, it is pumped by a rhythmic peristaltic-like action by smooth muscle cells within the lymphatic vessel walls. this peristaltic action is the primary driving force, moving lymph within its vessel walls. the regulation of the frequency and power of contraction is regulated by the sympathetic nervous system. lymph movement can be influenced by the pressure of nearby muscle contraction, arterial pulse pressure and the vacuum created in the chest cavity during respiration, but these passive forces contribute only a minor percentage of lymph transport. the fluids collected are pumped into continually larger vessels and through lymph nodes, which remove debris and police the fluid for dangerous microbes. the lymph ends its journey in the thoracic duct or right lymphatic duct, which drain into the blood circulation.
lymphedema
the lymphatic vessels (or lymph vessels or lymphatics) are thin-walled vessels (tubes) structured like blood vessels, that carry lymph. as part of the lymphatic system, lymph vessels are complementary to the cardiovascular system. lymph vessels are lined by endothelial cells, and have a thin layer of smooth muscle, and adventitia that binds the lymph vessels to the surrounding tissue. lymph vessels are devoted to the propulsion of the lymph from the lymph capillaries, which are mainly concerned with absorption of interstitial fluid from the tissues. lymph capillaries are slightly larger than their counterpart capillaries of the vascular system. lymph vessels that carry lymph to a lymph node are called afferent lymph vessels, and those that carry it from a lymph node are called efferent lymph vessels, from where the lymph may travel to another lymph node, may be returned to a vein, or may travel to a larger lymph duct. lymph ducts drain the lymph into one of the subclavian veins and thus return it to general circulation.
lymphatic vessel