Leaked Fluid in Lymphatic Vessels: What Does it Do?

The Role of Lymphatic Vessels in Returning Leaked Fluid to the Bloodstream

When fluid leaks out of the blood vessels into the interstitial spaces between cells, it is known as interstitial fluid. The lymphatic vessels play a crucial role in picking up this leaked fluid and returning it to the bloodstream.

What is the leaked fluid that lymphatic vessels pick up?

Final answer:

Interstitial fluid is the leaked fluid picked up by the lymphatic vessels and returned to the bloodstream.

Explanation:

Lymph fluid that leaks out of capillaries into spaces between cells and circulates in the vessels of the lymphatic system is called interstitial fluid. The lymphatic vessels primarily function to pick up this leaked fluid and return it to the bloodstream. Lymph flows from tissue spaces, where it leaks out of blood vessels, to major veins in the upper chest, where it is returned to the cardiovascular system. Once the interstitial fluid enters the lymphatic vessels, it is called lymph.