Lymph vessel
641160
225195057
2008-07-12T11:45:36Z
KC Panchal
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/* External links */ added template lymphatic flow
{{Infobox Anatomy |
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Image = Illu lymph capillary.jpg|
Caption = Lymph capillaries in the tissue spaces. |
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Caption2 = The thoracic duct and right lymphatic duct. |
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In [[anatomy]], '''lymph vessels''' are thin walled, [[valve]]d structures that carry [[lymph]]. As part of the [[lymphatic system]], lymph vessels are complementary to the [[vascular system]]. Lymph vessels are lined by [[endothelium|endothelial cells]], and deep to that have a thin layer of [[smooth muscle]]s, and [[adventitia]] that bind the lymph vessel to the surroundings. Lymp vessels are devoted to propulsion of the lymph as against the [[lymph capillaries]] that are mainly concerned with absorption of [[interstitial fluid]] from the tissues. Lymph vessel that carries lymph to a [[lymph node]] are called the [[afferent lymph vessel]], and one that carries it from a lymph node is called the [[efferent lymph vessel]], from where the lymph may travel to another lymph node or may be returned to a vein, or may travel to a larger [[lymph duct]]. Lymph ducts drain the lymph into one of the [[subclavian vein]]s and thus returning it to general [[circulation (physiology)|circulation]].
Generally, lymph flows away from the [[biological tissue|tissues]] to [[lymph node]]s and eventually to either the [[right lymphatic duct]] or the largest lymph vessel in the body, the [[thoracic duct]]. These vessels drain into the right and left [[subclavian veins]] respectively.
==Function==
Lymph vessels act as a reservoir from plasma and other substances including cells that leaked from the vascular system and transport lymph fluid back from the tissues to the circulatory system. Without functioning lymph vessels, lymph cannot be effectively drained and [[edema]] typically results.
==Additional images==
<gallery>
Image:Illu lymphatic system.jpg|Lymphatic system
Image:Gray1093.png | Section across portal canal of pig. X 250.
</gallery>
==External links==
* {{MeshName|Lymphatic+Vessels}}
* {{BiowebUW|APlab/Table_of_Contents/Lab_11/Lymph_node_2/Lymph_node_2c/lymph_node_2c.html|Efferent lymph vessel}}
* {{GeorgiaPhysiology|3/3ch9/s3ch9_5}}
{{lymphatic_system}}
{{Lymphatic flow}}
[[ca:Vas limfàtic]]
[[da:Lymfekar]]
[[de:Lymphozyten]]
[[el:Λεμφαγγείο]]
[[eo:Limfocito]]
[[es:Vaso linfático]]
[[fr:Vaisseau lymphatique]]
[[tr:Lenf damarı]]
[[zh:淋巴管]]
[[Category:Lymphatic system]]
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