Lymph Node Capsule

This is a high power view of the lymph node capsule and subcapsular sinus. Note the afferent lymphatic vessels traversing the capsule. The lymphatic vessels contain valves, which are clearly seen in this slide. The subcapsular sinus is lined by a layer of endothelial cells. Beneath the endothelial cells are macrophages that retrieve antigen from the lymph in the subcapsular sinus. These macrophages cannot be distinguished in histological images.