How do lympathtic capillaries differ from blood capillaries?

Answer 1

· Although similar to blood capillaries, lymphatic capillaries differ structurally in the following ways:

· The endothelial cells forming the walls of lymphatic capillaries are not tightly joined. Their edges loosely overlap one another, forming flaplike minivalves. The flaps, anchored by fine collagen fibers to surrounding structures, gape open when the fluid pressure is high in the interstitial space, allowing it to enter the lymphatic capillary.

· Bundles of fine filaments anchor the endothelial cells to surrounding structures so that any increase in interstitial fluid volume separates the cell flaps, exposing gaps in the wall rather than causing the lymphatic capillary to collapse.

Answer 2

Lymphatic capillaries have a greater and more variable diameter than blood capillaries.