Question

Why do Lymphatic Capillaries flow towards the heart if the point of the lymphatic system is to clean? Is it to return the fluid and plasma proteins lost in the tissues that are picked up by the lymphatic vessels?

Answer 1

ANSWER -

Lymphatic capillaries are tiny thin walled vessels , located in the spaces present in between the cells throughout the body (except Central nervous tissue and non-vascular tissue). These are closed at one end .

This means that lymphatic system is a one way flow , unlike circulatory system in which blood completes a full circulation in the body. Lymphatic capillaries are slightly larger in diameter and have greater oncotic pressure than blood capillaries. Lymphatic vessels connects the subclavian veins, enters the circulatory system and reaches the heart .

They flow towards the heart because their key function is to transfer excessive tissue fluid from interstitial spaces , back to the blood stream.

Functions of Lymphatic capillaries -

1. Fluid pressure regulation
2. Edema prevention