A network of blunt ended vessels lacking direct connection to the blood vascular system. These vessels collect and drain fluids and macromolecules from interstitial spaces throughout the animal. They derive from a subpopulation of endothelial cells and have walls that are much thinner than the blood carrying vessels. Lymphatic vessels are usually classified as either superficial or deep. [ ZFA:0005105 ]
Synonyms: set of lymphatic vessels lymphatic trunks and ducts lymphatic vessel network lymphatic vasculature lymphatic vessels set trunci et ductus lymphatici