Podcast
Questions and Answers
What are lymphatic capillaries also known as?
What are lymphatic capillaries also known as?
Where in the body do lymphatic capillaries NOT typically exist?
Where in the body do lymphatic capillaries NOT typically exist?
How are lymphatic capillaries formed?
How are lymphatic capillaries formed?
What is the main function of lacteals in the small intestine?
What is the main function of lacteals in the small intestine?
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How do endothelial flaps in lymphatic capillaries behave when interstitial pressure is low?
How do endothelial flaps in lymphatic capillaries behave when interstitial pressure is low?
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What enables the entry of fluid into lymphatic capillaries when interstitial pressure increases?
What enables the entry of fluid into lymphatic capillaries when interstitial pressure increases?
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What gives the lymphatic vessels a beaded appearance?
What gives the lymphatic vessels a beaded appearance?
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Which chamber receives lymph from the lower abdomen, pelvis, and lower limbs?
Which chamber receives lymph from the lower abdomen, pelvis, and lower limbs?
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Where does the right lymphatic duct drain lymph fluid into?
Where does the right lymphatic duct drain lymph fluid into?
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Which lymphatic vessels generally follow the same routes as veins?
Which lymphatic vessels generally follow the same routes as veins?
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What is the function of the one-way valves in lymphatic vessels?
What is the function of the one-way valves in lymphatic vessels?
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Where do the deep lymphatics eventually merge to form larger structures?
Where do the deep lymphatics eventually merge to form larger structures?
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Study Notes
Lymphatic System Structure and Function
- Lymphatic capillaries, also called terminal lymphatics, are vessels where interstitial fluid enters the lymphatic system to become lymph fluid
- Located in almost every tissue in the body, except for the central nervous system, bone marrow, bones, teeth, and the cornea of the eye
- Formed by a one cell-thick layer of endothelial cells, which allow interstitial fluid to flow in via overlapping cells
- Endothelial flaps close when interstitial pressure is low to prevent backflow, and open when pressure increases to allow fluid entry
- Collagen filaments anchor capillaries to surrounding structures, pulling on endothelial flaps to open them further when pressure increases
Lacteals and Dietary Lipid Transport
- Lacteals are lymphatic capillaries in the small intestine that transport dietary lipids and lipid-soluble vitamins to the bloodstream
- Dietary triglycerides combine with other lipids and proteins to form a milky fluid called chyle
- Chyle travels through the lymphatic system and eventually enters the bloodstream
Lymphatic Vessels and Valves
- Lymphatic capillaries empty into larger lymphatic vessels with a three-tunic structure and one-way valves
- Valves are located close to one another, causing a bulge in the vessel and giving it a beaded appearance
- Superficial and deep lymphatics merge to form larger lymphatic vessels, known as lymphatic trunks
Lymphatic Drainage
- Right side of the body drains into the right subclavian vein via the right lymphatic duct
- Left side of the body drains into the thoracic duct, which drains into the left subclavian vein
- Thoracic duct begins in the cisterna chyli, receiving lymph from the lower abdomen, pelvis, and lower limbs
- Overall drainage system is asymmetrical, with the right lymphatic duct receiving lymph from only the upper right side of the body
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Description
Learn about the function and distribution of lymphatic capillaries, which are essential for the lymphatic system to collect interstitial fluid. Explore their presence in various body tissues, except in specific exceptions like the central nervous system and bones.
