Lymphatic capillary

A lymphatic capillary is a tiny, blind-ended vessel that absorbs fluid, proteins, and particles from surrounding tissues to begin lymph transport.

Initial lymphatic: A blind-ended lymphatic vessel that collects interstitial fluid and begins lymphatic transport. Lymphatic capillaries are the smallest initial lymphatic vessels.
Lymphatic drainage: The movement of excess interstitial fluid and substances from tissues into the lymphatic system. Capillary uptake initiates drainage from most tissues.
Lymphatic system: A network of vessels, organs, and tissues that returns fluid to blood and supports immune function. Lymphatic capillaries form the network’s tissue-level entry points.
Blood capillary: A microscopic blood vessel that connects arterioles and venules and exchanges substances with tissues. Unlike blood capillaries, lymphatic capillaries begin blindly and collect rather than circulate fluid.
Anchoring filaments: Fine connective tissue fibers that attach lymphatic endothelial cells to surrounding extracellular matrix. They pull endothelial edges outward as tissue pressure rises, helping keep entry routes open.
Lymphedema: Persistent tissue swelling caused by impaired lymphatic fluid transport. Failure of lymphatic uptake or downstream transport allows tissue fluid to accumulate.
Endothelium: A layer of cells lining blood vessels and lymphatic vessels. The capillary wall is made from specialized endothelial cells.
Continuous capillary: A blood capillary whose endothelial lining forms an uninterrupted layer with tightly controlled permeability. Its continuous wall contrasts with the flap-like entry openings of lymphatic capillaries.
Button junction: A discontinuous pattern of endothelial cell junctions that leaves flap-like openings in initial lymphatic vessels. These junctions form entry points for fluid and particles across the capillary wall.
Dendritic cell: An antigen-presenting immune cell that captures material and helps activate T cells. Dendritic cells can enter lymphatic capillaries to carry tissue antigens toward lymph nodes.

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