Lymph Transport

What is the pump for the lymphatic system

Muscles - same as venous transport

Along with muscles, what else aids in the transport of lymph

Smooth muscle contracts rhythmically helping to pump the lymph along

Describe the speed and how lymph flows

It is slow and sporadic

What makes lymph flow much more rapidly

Physical activity

What is lymphedema

swelling (usually in the legs) caused by lymph accumulating in the tissues in the affected areas.

In summary, what do lymphatic vessels do

- return excess fluids to the blood

- return leaked proteins to the blood

- carry pathogens to lymph nodes

- carry absorbed fat from the intestine to the blood (through lacteals)