Lymphatic capillary and lymph node drainage pathway

The lymphatic capillary and lymph node drainage pathway consists of a network of tiny, highly permeable lymphatic capillaries that collect excess interstitial fluid (lymph) from tissues throughout the body and transport it through progressively larger lymphatic vessels and multiple lymph nodes, which act as filtration and immune surveillance sites. This pathway returns filtered lymph to the bloodstream via major lymphatic ducts (right lymphatic duct and thoracic duct), maintaining fluid homeostasis and contributing to immune defense. Dysfunction or obstruction of this pathway can result in lymphedema, facilitate infection, or permit tumor metastasis. Importantly, this pathway is an anatomical and physiological entity rather than a discrete molecule, receptor, or direct pharmacologic target.

Other names

lymphatic drainage pathwaylymph capillary drainagelymph node drainagelymphatic drainagelymph capillary pathway