Final answer:
Lymph flow progresses from lymphatic capillaries, to collecting lymphatic vessels, then through lymphatic trunks, and ends in the lymphatic ducts. This progression ensures that lymph is transported efficiently back to the cardiovascular system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct order of lymph flow through the lymphatic system is from lymphatic capillaries, to collecting lymphatic vessels, then through lymphatic trunks, and finally into lymphatic ducts. Lymph begins its journey in the lymphatic capillaries, small, open-ended vessels that collect excess fluid from the spaces between cells. It then moves into larger collecting vessels that have one-way valves and a beaded appearance due to the presence of these valves. From these vessels, lymph progresses into lymphatic trunks, which are larger vessels that gather lymph from multiple collecting vessels. Ultimately, lymph is delivered into one of the two main lymphatic ducts, the right lymphatic duct or the thoracic duct, depending on the area of the body from which the lymph is draining. These ducts then return the lymph to the cardiovascular system, discharging it into the subclavian veins.