Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2026
Three-Dimensional Imaging of the Vertebral Lymphatic Vasculature and Drainage using iDISCO+ and Light Sheet Fluorescence Microscopy
Published on: May 22, 2020
Three-dimensional visualization of skin lymphatic drainage patterns of the head and neck
Hayley M Reynolds1, Nicolas P Smith, Roger F Uren
1Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. h.reynolds@auckland.ac.nz
Background:
Lymphatic drainage from skin on the head and neck is complex. We sought to provide improved visualization and analysis of the patterns of head and neck skin lymphatic drainage using aggregated lymphoscintigraphy data.
Methods:
Lymphoscintigraphy data from 929 patients with cutaneous melanoma on the head and neck collected at the Sydney Melanoma Unit have been mapped onto a 3-dimensional computer model of the skin and lymph nodes.
Results:
Novel heat maps and interactive software have been created, which show subtle differences in lymphatic drainage patterns when compared with those that are previously reported. Posterior head and neck node fields largely drained posterior regions of the head and neck, whereas anterolateral skin regions were generally drained by the other head and neck node fields.
Conclusions:
The heat maps and interactive software tool provide novel visualization of head and neck lymphatic drainage patterns, which has both educational and clinical utility.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Veins of Head and Neck
On the other hand, the vertebral veins, unlike their arterial counterparts, are not primarily responsible for brain drainage. Instead, they drain the cervical vertebrae, spinal cord, and some small...
01:16Lymphatic Vessels and Lymph Transport
This one-way system allows fluids, solutes, and even pathogens to enter but prevents their return to the intercellular spaces.
01:15Development of the Lymphatic System
The first lymph sacs to form are the paired jugular lymph sacs located at the junction of the internal jugular and subclavian veins. From these sacs, lymphatic capillary plexuses extend to the thorax, upper limbs, neck, and head, eventually forming lymphatic vessels. Each jugular lymph sac maintains a...
01:23Detailed Structure and Function of Lymph Nodes
From a histological perspective, lymph nodes can be split into two main areas: the superficial cortex and the deep medulla. The outer cortex is populated by dendritic cells, macrophages, and B lymphocytes, which are densely packed into follicles. When these B-lymphocytes are presented...