Question

What are some of the factors that affect lymph formation?

Answer 1

Factors that lead to more tissue fluid, the source of lymph, can affect lymph formation thereby increasing it. It's a physical process rather than a secretory one, so physical factors influence lymph formation.

1. Increased capillary pressure like in venous obstruction increases lymph formation.

2. Increased capillary permeability due to temperature, histamine, hypoxia,

3. Intravenous saline increases osmotic pressure thereby increasing lymph formation.

4. Increased metabolic activity, muscular contractions etc. increase lymph flow and that aids in more lymph formation.

Capillary pressure, capillary permeability, blood pressure, lymph flow influence lymph formation.