FIGURE 3.

The lymphatic system. (A) Response of lymphatic capillaries to an increase in interstitial fluid volume. As the tissue matrix expands, tension on the anchoring filament rises, and the lymph capillaries open to allow entry of interstitial fluid into the initial lymphatics. (B) A lymphangion is defined as the segment between two unidirectional valves and typically exhibits systole and diastole. (C) Relationship between interstitial fluid pressure and lymph flow (D). Under normal conditions, a substantial amount of lymph is reabsorbed in the nodal blood circulation depending on hydrostatic and osmotic forces acting at the blood–lymph barrier. Modified from references (58, 71).