Which vessels carry lymph from lymphatic capillaries toward the heart?

• A. Veins
• B. Arteries
• C. Lymphatic Vessels
• D. Capillaries

Answer: (C)

The movement of lymph away from lymphatic capillaries is carried by the collecting lymphatic vessels. These vessels are designed to transport lymph toward the heart, featuring one-way valves and muscular walls that help push lymph along with body movements and, at times, pump contractions of the vessel itself. Lymph eventually returns to the bloodstream when these vessels drain into the veins near the heart (via the thoracic duct for most of the body, and the right lymphatic duct for the upper right quadrant). Veins and arteries carry blood, not lymph, and capillaries are the tiny vessels where interstitial fluid first collects and lymph begins. So, the vessels that move lymph toward the heart are the lymphatic vessels.