Similar to the veins in the circulatory system, lymphatic vessels are the pathways of the lymphatic system. They consist of the lymph capillaries, the right lymphatic duct, and the thoracic duct. A clear liquid, interstitial fluid, forms in the heart and collects glucose, salt, fatty acids, healthy minerals, and waste products from the body. Around 90% of this fluid returns to the bloodstream. The lymph capillaries collect the rest of the interstitial fluid from the tissues, converting it into lymph. It is then passed through the ducts to the lymph nodes while collecting lymphocytes and proteins.

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