How do skeletal muscle contractions help move lymph through lymphatic vessels?

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Diagram of the human lymphatic system highlighting lymphatic vessels and major lymphoid organs, including lymph nodes, adenoids, tonsils, thymus gland, spleen, appendix, bone marrow, and ducts. — lymphatic system The human lymphatic system, showing the lymphatic vessels and lymphoid organs.

The lymphatic system relies on muscle contractions to transport lymph through the body's network of vessels. Because the lymphatic system lacks a central pump like the heart, it utilizes the movement of surrounding skeletal muscles to exert pressure on the lymphatic vessels.

As these muscles contract, they compress the vessels, effectively pushing the lymph forward. To ensure this fluid moves in only one direction toward the bloodstream, the vessels are equipped with internal valves that prevent the backflow of lymph.1