文档介绍：Lymphatic System and Immunity Chapter 16 Functions of Lymphatic System Draining interstitial fluid Transporting dietary lipids Protection Lymphatic Vessels Begin as closed ended lymph capillaries in tissue spaces between cells NOT A CIRCULATING FLUID Interstitial fluid drains into lymphatic capillaries, forming lymph. Lymph capillaries merge to form lymphatic vessels Lymphatic vessels carry lymph into and out of lymph nodes and finally back to the vascular system. Lymphatic capillaries Made of a single layer of squamous epithelial cells Slightly larger than blood capillaries Cells overlap and act as one-way valves Opened by pressure of interstitial fluid Anchoring filaments attach cells to surrounding tissue Lymphatic vessels Resemble veins (same 3 layers) Found throughout body except: Avascular tissues Central nervous system Splenic pulp Bone marrow