ISSN:
0003-276X
Keywords:
Lung
;
Lymphatic capillaries
;
Light microscopy
;
Transmission and scanning electron microscopy
;
Pulmonary lymph drainage
;
Life and Medical Sciences
;
Cell & Developmental Biology
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Pulmonary lymphatic vessels extend within the connective tissue sheets surrounding airways and blood vessels. Frequently in this location they also border the lobular parenchyma, but no lymphatic vessels have been found within intralobular compartments between blood capillaries and alveoli. The presence and distribution of lymphatic vessels in pulmonary tissue are consistent with an important role for the lymphatic system in the clearance of interstitial fluids in the lung. Pulmonary lymphatic channels have structural characteristics of initial lymphatics; their walls are formed only by an endothelial layer, and no muscular cells are present. A network of anchoring filaments and collagen and elastic fibers surrounds the vessel walls. Because the lung is a mobile organ the tissue undergoes compression and distension during respiratory phase. These modifications could have a role in the mechanisms for lymph formation and flow. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Additional Material:
7 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ar.1092380311
