Histochemical and electron microscopic studies of the human cutaneous lymphatic capillary

The light microscopic characteristics of the normal cutaneous lymphatic capillary of man are the presence of elastic fibers around the vessel and a sudden change in contour of the lumen as observed on serial sections. Both are useful characteristics for differentiating the lymphatic from the blood capillary. Electron microscopic investigation is necessary to identify definitely vessels as lymphatic capillaries by demonstrating the absent or scanty basal lamina of the endothelial cell.