Question

why are valves important for the function of the vasculature and lymphatic system?

Answer 1

Importance of valves in vasculature and lymphatic system

The valves is to prevent backflow of fluid, so that lymph eventually flows forward instead of falling backwards. When the pressure of lymph fluid increase to a certain point due to filling with more lymph fluid or from smooth muscle contraction, the fluid will be pushed through the valve (opening it) into the next chamber of the vessel (called a lymphangion). As the pressure falls, the open valve then closes so that the lymph fluid cannot flow backwards.Without valves, the lymphatic system would be unable to function without a central pump. Smooth muscle contractions only cause small changes in pressure and volume within the lumen of the lymph vessels, so the fluid would just move backwards when the pressure dropped.

In the same way in vasculature system too ,example in heart four valves regulate blood flow so that blood travels through the heart in one direction and at the right rate. When something goes wrong with one of these valves, the heart and rest of the body do not get proper amounts of oxygen and nutrients.

The valves in the heart allows the flow of blood only in one direction from atria to the ventricles from the ventricles to the pulmonary aorta. These valves prevent any backward flow. If there will be no valves, all the backflow will not be prevented and it will get disturbed.A problem with any of the heart’s four valves can compromise the ability of your heart to perform its vital role in blood circulation.