Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026
07:36
Isolation of Human Lymphatic Endothelial Cells by Multi-parameter Fluorescence-activated Cell Sorting
Published on: May 1, 2015
THE FLOW AND COMPOSITION OF LYMPH IN RELATION TO THE FORMATION OF EDEMA
A A Weech1, E Goettsch, E B Reeves
1Department of Diseases of Children of Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 30, 2009
Summary
Lymphatic system capacity exceeds tissue fluid formation, enabling edema reduction through activation. Lymph flow rates stabilize during activity, indicating normal lymph production even in edematous states.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Edema Pathophysiology
- Lymphatic System Dynamics
Background:
- The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in fluid balance and tissue fluid removal.
- Edema, characterized by fluid accumulation, can be influenced by lymphatic function and plasma protein levels.
- Understanding the interplay between tissue fluid, lymph, and plasma is essential for edema management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the capacity of lymphatic vessels in fluid removal from tissues.
- To explore the relationship between lymphatic activation and edema reduction.
- To analyze lymph formation rates and protein concentrations in normal versus edematous conditions.
Main Methods:
- Experimental observation and recapitulation of key findings on lymphatic function.
- Analysis of lymph flow rates during continuous lymphatic activity.
- Comparison of protein concentrations in plasma, lymph, and edema fluid.
Main Results:
- Lymphatic fluid removal capacity significantly exceeds tissue fluid formation.
- Edema can be resolved by activating lymphatics through physical measures like massage or exercise.
- Lymph formation rates in edematous animals are comparable to normal states, and lymph protein decreases with plasma protein reduction.
Conclusions:
- Lymphatic activation is a viable strategy for reducing edema by enhancing fluid removal.
- Reduced plasma protein may lead to decreased capillary permeability, affecting lymph composition.
- While lymph and edema fluid protein concentrations are similar in edematous states, their precise relationship requires further investigation.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Detailed Structure and Function of Lymph Nodes
Lymph nodes are bean-shaped structures that cluster along the lymphatic vessels in the inguinal, axillary, and cervical regions. Each node is divided into compartments by a capsule that extends trabeculae inward.
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...
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...
01:16Lymphatic Vessels and Lymph Transport
Lymphatic vessels, known as lymphatics, are crucial in transporting lymph from peripheral tissues to our venous system. This process begins with lymph entering through tiny capillaries that branch through tissues. These capillaries have unique features such as larger diameters, thinner walls, and a distinctive one-way valve system formed by overlapping endothelial cells.
This one-way system allows fluids, solutes, and even pathogens to enter but prevents their return to the intercellular spaces.
This one-way system allows fluids, solutes, and even pathogens to enter but prevents their return to the intercellular spaces.
01:20Fluid Connective Tissues: Blood and Lymph
Blood and lymph are fluid connective tissues. They contain cells, also known as formed elements, circulating in a liquid extracellular matrix, the plasma. The formed elements are derived from hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow. Blood and lymph connect all vital parts and carry nutrients, oxygen, and other essential molecules like antibodies.
Blood
The blood flows through blood vessels— arteries, capillaries, and veins. Blood plasma is primarily made of proteins, solutes, and water.
Blood
The blood flows through blood vessels— arteries, capillaries, and veins. Blood plasma is primarily made of proteins, solutes, and water.
01:15Development of the Lymphatic System
The development of lymphatic tissues and vessels in embryonic life begins around the fifth week. These structures originate from the mesoderm layer, with lymph sacs emerging from developing veins.
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...
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...
01:24Inflammatory Response II: Inflammatory Exudate and Tissue Repair
The immune system's inflammatory response destroys the invading pathogen, permitting the tissue to heal. The changes during the cellular and vascular stages allow exudate formation at the site of inflammation. The inflammatory exudate released from the wound has high protein content and a specific gravity above 1.020.
The typical wound exudate is odorless, transparent, straw-colored, thin, and watery. Exudate, however, can differ depending on the state of wound healing. Likewise, the exudate's...
The typical wound exudate is odorless, transparent, straw-colored, thin, and watery. Exudate, however, can differ depending on the state of wound healing. Likewise, the exudate's...
01:28Functions of the Lymphatic and Immune System
The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in bolstering our immune system. It consists of a network of lymphoid organs, lymph, and lymphatic vessels that provide structural and functional support in safeguarding the body against pathogens such as viruses and bacteria.
The primary lymphoid organs, including the bone marrow and the thymus, serve as the maturation sites for lymphocytes. Secondary lymphoid organs, like the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, activate these lymphocytes and serve as...
The primary lymphoid organs, including the bone marrow and the thymus, serve as the maturation sites for lymphocytes. Secondary lymphoid organs, like the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, activate these lymphocytes and serve as...