Afferent vessel

Afferent Vessel is a term used in anatomy and physiology to describe a vessel or tube that carries fluid, such as blood or lymph, inward or towards an organ or structure. The term is derived from the Latin word afferens, which means "bringing in".

Function

The primary function of an afferent vessel is to transport fluids from peripheral tissues to a specific organ or structure. In the circulatory system, afferent blood vessels, also known as arteries, carry oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body. In the lymphatic system, afferent lymphatic vessels carry lymph, a clear fluid containing white blood cells, towards a lymph node.

Structure

Afferent vessels, like other vessels in the body, are composed of layers of cells. The innermost layer, or endothelium, is in direct contact with the fluid being transported. The middle layer, or media, is composed of smooth muscle cells and elastic fibers. The outermost layer, or adventitia, is composed of connective tissue.

Clinical Significance

Understanding the function and structure of afferent vessels is crucial in many areas of medicine. For example, in cardiology, the health of the arteries is a key factor in conditions such as coronary artery disease and hypertension. In oncology, the spread of cancer cells through the lymphatic system is a major concern.

See Also

• Efferent vessel
• Artery
• Lymphatic system