MRCP UK EXAMINATIONS

Detailed explanation-1: -There is no pump in the lymphatic system like the heart in the cardiovascular system. The pressure gradients to move lymph through the vessels come from the skeletal muscle action, respiratory movement, and contraction of smooth muscle in vessel walls.

Detailed explanation-2: -The lymphatic system (lymph, lymph nodes and lymph vessels) supports the circulatory system by draining excess fluids and proteins from tissues back into the bloodstream, thereby preventing tissue swelling.

Detailed explanation-3: -Similar to other organs, the heart relies on cardiac lymphatics to drain tissue fluid in order to maintain the steady-state interstitial fluid equilibrium. Myocardial contractions help to propel cardiac lymphatic flow.

Detailed explanation-4: -The lymphatic system utilizes both extrinsic pumps, which rely on the cyclical compression and expansion of lymphatics by surrounding tissue forces, and intrinsic pumps, which rely on the intrinsic rapid/phasic contractions of lymphatic muscle.