In
anatomy,
lymphatic vessels or
lymph vessels are thin walled,
valved structures that carry
lymph. As part of the
lymphatic system, lymph vessels are complementary to the
cardiovascular system. Lymph vessels are lined by
endothelial cells, and have a thin layer of
smooth muscles, and
adventitia that bind the lymph vessels to the surrounding tissue. Lymph vessels are devoted to propulsion of the lymph from the
lymph capillaries, which are mainly concerned with absorption of
interstitial fluid from the tissues. Lymph capillaries are slightly larger than their counterpart capillaries of the vascular system. Lymph vessels that carry lymph to a
lymph node are called the afferent lymph vessel, and one that carries it from a lymph node is called the
efferent lymph vessel, from where the lymph may travel to another lymph node, may be returned to a vein, or may travel to a larger
lymph duct. Lymph ducts drain the lymph into one of the
subclavian veins and thus return it to general
circulation.