To accomplish its normal roles in body fluid regulation/macromolecular homeostasis,
immune function, and lipid absorption; the lymphatic system must transport lymph from the
interstitial spaces, into and through the lymphatics, through the lymphatic compartment of the
nodes, back into the nodal efferent lymphatics and eventually empty into the great veins. The
usual net pressure gradients along this path do not normally favor the passive movement of
lymph. Thus, lymph transport requires the input of energy to the lymph to propel it along this …