Which best describes the walls of lymph veins compared to blood veins?

Lymph veins, or lymphatic vessels, have walls that are thinner and more fragile than those of blood veins. This characteristic is essential because lymphatic vessels are primarily involved in transporting lymph, a fluid that contains immune cells, waste products, and other substances, rather than blood under high pressure. The thinner walls of lymph veins allow for greater permeability, enabling the efficient absorption of interstitial fluid, proteins, and other materials from the tissues. This permeable nature is crucial as it helps maintain fluid balance in the body and supports the immune response.

In contrast, blood veins are designed to carry blood at higher pressures, thus having thicker, more muscular walls to withstand that pressure and accommodate blood flow. The distinction in wall thickness reflects their different functions in the circulatory and lymphatic systems, emphasizing the specialized roles these vessels play in bodily health.