What are afferent and efferent lymphatic vessels?
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.
What is the main function of the lymphatic system?
The lymphatic system is our body’s ‘sewerage system’. It maintains fluid levels in our body tissues by removing all fluids that leak out of our blood vessels. The lymphatic system is important for the optimal functioning of our general and specific immune responses.
What does blind ended capillaries mean?
Lymphatic capillaries
Lymphatic capillaries are blind-ended tubes with thin endothelial walls (only a single cell in thickness). They are arranged in an overlapping pattern, so that pressure from the surrounding capillary forces at these cells allows fluid to enter the capillary (see the image below).
What is a lymphatic duct?
Medical Definition of lymphatic duct : any of the lymphatic vessels that are part of the system collecting lymph from the lymphatic capillaries and draining it into the subclavian veins by way of the right lymphatic duct and the thoracic duct. — called also lymph duct.
What are the two main functions of the lymphatic system?
There are two major functions of the lymphatic system. The first is to drain interstitial fluid and maintain the fluid balance between blood and tissue fluid. The second is to fight infection and mediate immunity.
What is the name of the lymphatic organ that filters lymph and worn out Rbcs?
The spleen
The spleen is located in the upper left part of the belly under the ribcage. It helps protect the body by clearing worn-out red blood cells and other foreign bodies (such as germs) from the bloodstream. The spleen is part of the lymphatic system, which is an extensive drainage network.
Where do lymphatic vessels terminate?
The lymphatic vessels drain into collecting ducts, which empty their contents into the two subclavian veins, located under the collarbones. These veins join to form the superior vena cava, the large vein that drains blood from the upper body into the heart.