What is the rate at which lymph reenters the general circulation?

The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance in the body by returning excess tissue fluid, waste products, and proteins back to the circulatory system. The rate at which lymph is reintroduced into the bloodstream is essential for maintaining homeostasis, particularly as it helps prevent edema and ensures that essential proteins and lipids are transported efficiently.

In humans, the rate of lymph reentry into the general circulation is estimated to be approximately 125 cc/min. This figure reflects the volume of lymph that is typically transported from peripheral tissues through the lymphatic vessels and ultimately drained into the venous circulation.

Understanding this rate is important for healthcare professionals, particularly those in the field of perfusion and cardiovascular care, as any significant deviations can indicate issues like heart failure or lymphatic obstruction, which may affect overall fluid balance and tissue health.

For context, other figures provided in the choices, while plausible in terms of the physiological processes, do not align with the established average rate for lymph reabsorption into the systemic circulation.