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How does lymph leave a lymph node through efferent 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.

Lymph leaves a lymph node through the efferent lymphatic vessel. After lymph is filtered and processed within the node—where immune system cells interact with foreign antigens—activated lymphocytes and the cleaned fluid migrate through the medulla to exit via this vessel.1

Once it exits the node, the efferent lymphatic vessel directs the lymph toward one of two destinations: it may drain into adjacent lymph nodes for further filtration, or it may flow into the thoracic duct or other major vessels of the lymphatic system to eventually return to the bloodstream.1