lymphatic vessels
Body's fluid channels
Lymphatic vessels are the network of thin tubes that carry lymph—a clear fluid containing white blood cells—throughout the body.
Part of the immune system, they collect fluid from tissues and return it to the bloodstream, filtering it through lymph nodes along the way.
The lymphatic vessels drain excess fluid from the tissues.
Pathological tissue puffiness
- lymphedemaSwelling from obstructed drainage
- filtrationSeparating solids from liquids
- permeabilityAbility to transmit fluids
- absorptionProcess of taking in
clearance · chyle · swelling · obstruction · elephantiasis
Flow-controlling mechanisms
- endotheliumCells lining blood vessels
- intimaArtery's innermost layer
- capillariesTiniest blood vessels
- subclavian veinVein below the collarbone
Immunity-triggering foreign substances
- pathogensDisease-causing microorganisms
- macrophagesLarge pathogen-engulfing immune cells
- T-cellsThymus-matured immune lymphocytes
- B-cellsAntibody-secreting immune cells
inflammatory response · infection · sentinel node · immune cells · cytokines · phagocytosis · leukocytes · metastasis
edema
Pathological tissue puffiness
- lymphedemaSwelling from obstructed drainage
- filtrationSeparating solids from liquids
- permeabilityAbility to transmit fluids
absorption · clearance · chyle · swelling · obstruction · elephantiasis
valves
Flow-controlling mechanisms
- endotheliumCells lining blood vessels
- intimaArtery's innermost layer
- capillariesTiniest blood vessels
antigens
Immunity-triggering foreign substances
- pathogensDisease-causing microorganisms
- macrophagesLarge pathogen-engulfing immune cells
- T-cellsThymus-matured immune lymphocytes
B-cells · inflammatory response · infection · sentinel node · immune cells · cytokines · phagocytosis · leukocytes · metastasis
lymphedema
Swelling from obstructed drainage
- obstructionSomething blocking the way
lymphatic vesselsblood vessels
Tubes carrying circulating fluid
arteries · veins · cardiovascular system · supply vessels · aorta
vessel, lymphoma, lymph, lymphatic, lymphocyte, lymphocytes, lymphomas, lymphatics