Lymph capillary: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:34, 15 February 2025

Lymph Capillary[edit]

Lymph capillaries, also known as lymphatic capillaries, are tiny, thin-walled vessels located in the spaces between cells throughout the body, except in the central nervous system and non-vascular tissues. They are a crucial component of the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system and plays a vital role in maintaining fluid balance in the body.

Structure[edit]

Lymph capillaries are composed of a single layer of endothelial cells that overlap each other, forming flap-like minivalves. These minivalves open to allow interstitial fluid to enter the capillary when the pressure in the interstitial space is greater than the pressure inside the capillary. This unique structure enables the lymph capillaries to absorb large molecules, such as proteins and lipids, that cannot be absorbed by blood capillaries.

Function[edit]

The primary function of lymph capillaries is to collect excess interstitial fluid from tissues and transport it to larger lymphatic vessels. This fluid, now called lymph, is eventually returned to the bloodstream. By doing so, lymph capillaries help maintain fluid balance in the body and prevent edema, which is the accumulation of excess fluid in tissues.

Lymph capillaries also play a role in the immune response. They transport antigens and dendritic cells to lymph nodes, where an immune response can be initiated. This process is essential for the body's defense against infections and diseases.

Location[edit]

Lymph capillaries are found throughout most of the body, with the exception of the central nervous system, bone marrow, and avascular tissues such as the epidermis and cartilage. They are particularly abundant in tissues that are prone to fluid accumulation, such as the dermis of the skin and the mucous membranes of the respiratory and digestive tracts.

Related Pages[edit]

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-'''Lymph capillary'''
+== Lymph Capillary ==
-A '''lymph capillary''' or '''lymphatic capillary''' is a tiny, blind-ended [[vessel]] found in the spaces between cells throughout the body except in the [[bone marrow]] and [[central nervous system]]. They form a major part of the [[lymphatic system]], which contributes to the [[immune system]]'s role in body defense.
+[[File:Illu_lymph_capillary.png|thumb|right|Diagram of a lymph capillary]]
-==Etymology==
+Lymph capillaries, also known as lymphatic capillaries, are tiny, thin-walled vessels located in the spaces between cells throughout the body, except in the central nervous system and non-vascular tissues. They are a crucial component of the [[lymphatic system]], which is part of the [[immune system]] and plays a vital role in maintaining fluid balance in the body.
-The term "lymph" comes from the Latin word ''lympha'', which means "connected to water", while "capillary" is derived from ''capillus'', the Latin word for "hair".
-==Structure==
+== Structure ==
-Lymph capillaries are slightly larger in diameter than [[blood capillaries]], and their unique structure permits interstitial fluid to flow into them but not out. The ends of the endothelial cells that make up the wall of a lymph capillary are not joined together, they overlap. The pressure of the interstitial fluid is enough to separate the overlapping cells at the end of the capillary, allowing the fluid to enter the capillary. When the pressure inside the capillary exceeds that of the interstitial fluid, the cells adhere more closely, preventing any fluid from leaving.
-==Function==
+Lymph capillaries are composed of a single layer of endothelial cells that overlap each other, forming flap-like minivalves. These minivalves open to allow interstitial fluid to enter the capillary when the pressure in the interstitial space is greater than the pressure inside the capillary. This unique structure enables the lymph capillaries to absorb large molecules, such as proteins and lipids, that cannot be absorbed by blood capillaries.
-The primary function of lymph capillaries is to absorb and transport [[lymph]] throughout the body. Lymph is a clear fluid that originates from blood plasma leaked into the tissues, and it carries cells that help fight [[infection]] and [[disease]]. The lymph capillaries carry the lymph fluid to larger lymph vessels, which eventually return the fluid to the bloodstream via the [[thoracic duct]] or the [[right lymphatic duct]].
-==Clinical significance==
+== Function ==
-Damage or blockage of lymph capillaries can lead to a condition known as [[lymphedema]], which results in swelling in the arms and legs. This condition can be caused by a variety of factors, including [[cancer]] treatments, certain surgeries, or inherited conditions.
+The primary function of lymph capillaries is to collect excess [[interstitial fluid]] from tissues and transport it to larger lymphatic vessels. This fluid, now called [[lymph]], is eventually returned to the bloodstream. By doing so, lymph capillaries help maintain fluid balance in the body and prevent [[edema]], which is the accumulation of excess fluid in tissues.
+Lymph capillaries also play a role in the immune response. They transport [[antigens]] and [[dendritic cells]] to [[lymph nodes]], where an immune response can be initiated. This process is essential for the body's defense against infections and diseases.
+== Location ==
+Lymph capillaries are found throughout most of the body, with the exception of the central nervous system, bone marrow, and avascular tissues such as the epidermis and cartilage. They are particularly abundant in tissues that are prone to fluid accumulation, such as the [[dermis]] of the skin and the mucous membranes of the respiratory and digestive tracts.
+== Related Pages ==
-==See also==
 * [[Lymphatic system]]
-* [[Lymphedema]]
+* [[Immune system]]
-* [[Lymphatic vessel]]
 * [[Lymph node]]
+* [[Interstitial fluid]]
+* [[Edema]]
-==References==
-<references />
-{{stub}}
-[[Category:Anatomy]]
 [[Category:Lymphatic system]]