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What happens to activated lymphocytes after they leave a lymph node?

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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.

After lymphocytes are activated within a lymph node, they migrate through the medulla and exit the node via the efferent lymphatic vessel.1

Once they enter the lymphatic circulation through this vessel, they may travel to one of two destinations:
* They may drain into adjacent lymph nodes.1
* They may ultimately reach the thoracic duct, a major vessel of the lymphatic system that returns lymph to the bloodstream.12