Here's how it works:
* Extracellular fluid (ECF) surrounds cells and carries nutrients, oxygen, and waste products.
* Lymphatic capillaries are tiny, thin-walled vessels that permeate tissues and collect excess ECF, called lymph.
* Lymph is then transported through larger lymphatic vessels, passing through lymph nodes along the way. These nodes filter the lymph, removing waste, debris, and pathogens.
* The lymph eventually empties into the subclavian veins, returning it to the bloodstream.
In summary:
* Lymphatic system: Collects excess extracellular fluid (lymph)
* Lymphatic capillaries: Absorb lymph from tissues
* Lymph nodes: Filter lymph, removing waste and pathogens
* Subclavian veins: Return lymph to the bloodstream
