Where does tissue fluid diffuse into the lymphatic system?

Where does tissue fluid diffuse into the lymphatic system?

• A. Lymph Capillaries
• B. Veins
• C. Arteries
• D. Capillaries

Answer: (A)

Tissue fluid drains into the lymphatic system through specialized vessels called lymphatic capillaries. These tiny vessels have very permeable walls made of overlapping endothelial cells that act like one-way flaps. When interstitial (tissue) fluid builds up and pressure pushes fluid out of surrounding tissues, the gaps open and this fluid, along with proteins and some fats, can flood into the lymphatic capillaries and becomes lymph. This uptake is specific to the lymphatic system, not the blood vessels we call arteries and veins, and it’s distinct from ordinary capillaries in tissues that mainly exchange with blood. As lymph moves through the lymphatic network, it’s eventually returned to the bloodstream, completing the drainage cycle.

Tissue fluid drains into the lymphatic system through specialized vessels called lymphatic capillaries. These tiny vessels have very permeable walls made of overlapping endothelial cells that act like one-way flaps. When interstitial (tissue) fluid builds up and pressure pushes fluid out of surrounding tissues, the gaps open and this fluid, along with proteins and some fats, can flood into the lymphatic capillaries and becomes lymph. This uptake is specific to the lymphatic system, not the blood vessels we call arteries and veins, and it’s distinct from ordinary capillaries in tissues that mainly exchange with blood. As lymph moves through the lymphatic network, it’s eventually returned to the bloodstream, completing the drainage cycle.