Lymphatic System

-system consists of network of lymphoid tissues and lymphatic vessels, which drain excess fluids that deep out of blood into tissue spaces

-vessels absorb liquids and lipid-soluble vitamins from gastrointestinal tract and transport them to blood

-tissues protect against foreign cells, microbes, toxins, and cancer cells

Usually clear and colorless and similar to blood plasma, but it contains fewer proteins and its composition varies throughout the body

Milky white following a meal because its high fat content

May be filled with lymphocytes, macrophages, and debris

Microscopic vessels; avascular tissues

Larger than blood capillaries, but have closed ends

Endothelial cells overlap and act valve-like

Interstitial fluid can flow into capillary when pressure in tissues is high, but can't flow out when pressure is low

Specialized lacteals that transport dietary lipids

To form lymphatic vessels which pass through lymph nodes

Veins but have thinner walls and more valves

To form lymphatic trunks which drain different parts of the body

Lymphatic ducts and return fluid to the blood

Begins as cisterna chyli and drains left side of head, neck, chest, left arm, entire body below ribs into left subclavian vein

Drains lymph from upper right region of body into subclavian vein