Understanding the Anatomy and Function of Lymph Nodes

8. Flow of Lymph

Lymph originates in the smallest of the lymphatic vessels, the lymphatic capillaries. It travels from these capillaries to the afferent lymphatic vessels, which connect to the subcapsular sinus, through which lymph enters the node. From there, the lymph flows into the trabecular sinuses of the cortex. It then travels into the medullary sinuses, where it collects for some time. Within the sinuses is another type of white blood cell: macrophages. The many macrophages can trap foreign pathogens and particles, filtering the lymph. After a short while, the lymph exits the lymph node via the efferent lymphatic vessels.