<P> The lymphatic vessels ( or lymph vessels or lymphatics ) are thin - walled vessels structured like blood vessels , that carry lymph . As part of the lymphatic system , lymph vessels are complementary to the cardiovascular system . Lymph vessels are lined by endothelial cells , and have a thin layer of smooth muscle , and adventitia that bind the lymph vessels to the surrounding tissue . Lymph vessels are devoted to the propulsion of the lymph from the lymph capillaries , which are mainly concerned with absorption of interstitial fluid from the tissues . Lymph capillaries are slightly larger than their counterpart capillaries of the vascular system . Lymph vessels that carry lymph to a lymph node are called afferent lymph vessels , and those that carry it from a lymph node are called efferent lymph vessels , from where the lymph may travel to another lymph node , may be returned to a vein , or may travel to a larger lymph duct . Lymph ducts drain the lymph into one of the subclavian veins and thus return it to general circulation . </P>
where does lymph fluid drain in order to go back into the cardiovascular system
the subclavian veins