Which of the following best describes the immediate fate of high-molec...
High-molecular weight proteins that are removed from the interstitial spaces by the lymphatic system are eventually emptied into the circulatory system. This occurs at the junction of the lymphatic system and the venous system. The lymphatic vessels merge with larger vessels called lymphatic ducts, and one of the main lymphatic ducts, the thoracic duct, drains into the circulatory system at the junction of the left subclavian vein and the left internal jugular vein. This allows the proteins to enter the bloodstream and be circulated throughout the body. Therefore, option 3 best describes the immediate fate of these proteins.
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Which of the following best describes the immediate fate of high-molec...
C. Emptying into the circulatory system at the jugular vein.
- When high-molecular weight proteins are removed from the interstitial spaces of the body, they are taken up by the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system helps in the transportation of these proteins back into the circulatory system.
- The lymphatic system consists of a network of vessels that collect and transport lymph, a fluid that contains proteins, waste products, and immune cells. The lymphatic vessels eventually converge into larger vessels called lymphatic ducts.
- One of the major lymphatic ducts is the thoracic duct, which is responsible for draining lymph from the lower limbs, abdomen, left side of the thorax, left arm, and left side of the head and neck. The thoracic duct empties into the circulatory system at the junction of the left subclavian vein and the left internal jugular vein.
- The subclavian vein is a major vein that receives blood from the upper limbs and the head and neck region. The internal jugular vein is a large vein that drains blood from the brain, face, and neck. The junction of these two veins is located near the base of the neck, just above the clavicle.
- At this junction, the lymphatic system releases the high-molecular weight proteins back into the circulatory system, allowing them to mix with the blood and be transported to different parts of the body.
- From the circulatory system, these proteins can be further distributed to different tissues and organs where they are needed. They can also be metabolized or eliminated through various physiological processes.
- Therefore, the immediate fate of high-molecular weight proteins that are taken up by the lymphatic system is to be emptied into the circulatory system at the jugular vein, specifically at the junction of the left subclavian vein and the left internal jugular vein.