Lymph production-starling’s law- normal physiology of lymph-
Seance of wednesday 28 january 2026 (La lymphe - Les innovations)
DOI number : 10.26299/wsfx-2392/emem.2026.05.02
Abstract
The most accurate anatomical descriptions of the lymphatic system date from the 17th and 18th centuries.
1-LYMPH PRODUCTION
Transudation of blood contents is the passage of fluids from the blood capillaries. This produces the interstitial fluid in which the cells are bathed. This is the intercellular space made up of connective tissue.
Thanks to this fluid, the cells obtain their nutrients and oxygen.
After being used by the cells, the blood is returned to the bloodstream via the venous capillaries, with 9/10 of it containing water and electrolytes.
The remaining 1/10 of the exudate is collected in the lymphatic vessels.
The lymphatic system is the only one capable of collecting macromolecules.
Composition of lymph: It is an ultrafiltrate of blood plasma, but proteins are present only in small quantities.
2- STARLING'S LAWS
Starling's Law of capillaries: three opposing forces:
Hydrostatic pressure, tissue pressure, and oncotic pressure.
It explains the movement of water between the vascular system and the interstitial compartment.
3- NORMAL PHYSIOLOGY OF LYMPH:
- Formation of lymph: Blood capillaries supply interstitial fluid.
- Composition of lymph: Interstitial fluid is an ultrafiltrate of blood plasma.
- Circulation of lymph: Initial lymphatic vessels have very loose intercellular junctions.
- The progression of lymph in the precollectors is passive.
- In the lymphatic collectors, lymphangions propel the lymph.
- Regulation of lymph circulation is controlled by: Contraction of lymphatic vessels, valves,
Muscle contraction and respiration.
Anchoring filaments connect the walls of lymphatic vessels to the interstitial tissues.
-Return of lymph into the blood,
In the subclavian veins.
-Functions of lymph:
Return of interstitial fluid
Transport of lipids
Immune response via the lymph nodes
Transport of immune cells.
-CONCLUSIONS
Lymph is a fluid essential to many biological processes: maintenance of fluid balance, transport of lipids, immune defense.
1-LYMPH PRODUCTION
Transudation of blood contents is the passage of fluids from the blood capillaries. This produces the interstitial fluid in which the cells are bathed. This is the intercellular space made up of connective tissue.
Thanks to this fluid, the cells obtain their nutrients and oxygen.
After being used by the cells, the blood is returned to the bloodstream via the venous capillaries, with 9/10 of it containing water and electrolytes.
The remaining 1/10 of the exudate is collected in the lymphatic vessels.
The lymphatic system is the only one capable of collecting macromolecules.
Composition of lymph: It is an ultrafiltrate of blood plasma, but proteins are present only in small quantities.
2- STARLING'S LAWS
Starling's Law of capillaries: three opposing forces:
Hydrostatic pressure, tissue pressure, and oncotic pressure.
It explains the movement of water between the vascular system and the interstitial compartment.
3- NORMAL PHYSIOLOGY OF LYMPH:
- Formation of lymph: Blood capillaries supply interstitial fluid.
- Composition of lymph: Interstitial fluid is an ultrafiltrate of blood plasma.
- Circulation of lymph: Initial lymphatic vessels have very loose intercellular junctions.
- The progression of lymph in the precollectors is passive.
- In the lymphatic collectors, lymphangions propel the lymph.
- Regulation of lymph circulation is controlled by: Contraction of lymphatic vessels, valves,
Muscle contraction and respiration.
Anchoring filaments connect the walls of lymphatic vessels to the interstitial tissues.
-Return of lymph into the blood,
In the subclavian veins.
-Functions of lymph:
Return of interstitial fluid
Transport of lipids
Immune response via the lymph nodes
Transport of immune cells.
-CONCLUSIONS
Lymph is a fluid essential to many biological processes: maintenance of fluid balance, transport of lipids, immune defense.