Lymphatic vessels
Vasa lymphatica
- Synonym: Lymph vessels
- Related terms: Lymphatic vessel
Definition
Lymphatic vessels are a hierarchically organized network of thin-walled vascular structures that form a unidirectional transport system, distinct from the blood vasculature, responsible for collecting excess interstitial fluid, proteins, macromolecules, and cells from peripheral tissues and returning them to the blood circulation. They are lined by specialized lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) and are present in virtually all tissues of the body, with the exception of the cornea, cartilage, epidermis, and central nervous system.
It includes:
References
