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Related Concept Videos

Development of the Lymphatic System01:15

Development 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...
Lymphatic Vessels and Lymph Transport01:16

Lymphatic 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.
Fluid Connective Tissues: Blood and Lymph01:20

Fluid 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.
Functions of the Lymphatic and Immune System01:28

Functions 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...
Tension Response at Adherens Junctions01:26

Tension Response at Adherens Junctions

The adherens junctions that anchor cells together are multi-protein complexes that dynamically adapt to mechanical stimuli such as tensile forces and shear stress. Mechanosensory proteins in these junctions can sense such mechanical stimuli and undergo a shift in their conformation, resulting in an altered function — a process called mechanotransduction.
α-Catenin as a Mechanosensory Protein
The α-catenin of adherens junctions is an allosteric protein with three VH (vinculin homology) domains...
Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces01:13

Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces

In animal cells, the extracellular matrix allows cells within tissues to withstand external stresses and transmits signals from the outside of the cell to the inside. The extracellular matrix is extensive, and its composition varies between different types of tissues. For example, the reticular fibers and ground substance make up the ECM in loose connective tissue, while collagen and bone minerals make up the ECM of bone tissue. 
Anchoring junctions mechanically attach a cell to the...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 11, 2026

Blocking Lymph Flow by Suturing Afferent Lymphatic Vessels in Mice
05:59

Blocking Lymph Flow by Suturing Afferent Lymphatic Vessels in Mice

Published on: May 14, 2020

Mechanical forces in lymphatic vascular development and disease.

Lara Planas-Paz1, Eckhard Lammert

  • 1Institute of Metabolic Physiology, Heinrich-Heine University, Universitätsstrasse 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany, lara.planaspaz@hhu.de.

Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences : CMLS
|May 14, 2013
PubMed
Summary

Mechanical forces regulate lymphatic vascular development and function. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for addressing lymphatic pathologies like lymphedema and cancer metastasis.

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Real-time Evaluation of Absolute, Cytosolic, Free Ca2+ and Corresponding Contractility in Isolated, Pressurized Lymph Vessels
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Real-time Evaluation of Absolute, Cytosolic, Free Ca2+ and Corresponding Contractility in Isolated, Pressurized Lymph Vessels

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Last Updated: May 11, 2026

Blocking Lymph Flow by Suturing Afferent Lymphatic Vessels in Mice
05:59

Blocking Lymph Flow by Suturing Afferent Lymphatic Vessels in Mice

Published on: May 14, 2020

Isolation of Human Lymphatic Endothelial Cells by Multi-parameter Fluorescence-activated Cell Sorting
07:36

Isolation of Human Lymphatic Endothelial Cells by Multi-parameter Fluorescence-activated Cell Sorting

Published on: May 1, 2015

Real-time Evaluation of Absolute, Cytosolic, Free Ca2+ and Corresponding Contractility in Isolated, Pressurized Lymph Vessels
08:46

Real-time Evaluation of Absolute, Cytosolic, Free Ca2+ and Corresponding Contractility in Isolated, Pressurized Lymph Vessels

Published on: March 22, 2024

Area of Science:

  • Lymphatic biology
  • Mechanobiology
  • Developmental biology

Background:

  • The lymphatic vasculature maintains fluid balance and immune cell transport.
  • Lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) form capillaries and collecting vessels.
  • Fluid enters lymphatic capillaries due to low pressure and loose junctions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss mechanical forces and molecular mechanisms in lymphatic vascular development.
  • To explore the role of mechanotransduction in lymphatic pathologies.
  • Focus on developing mouse embryos.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on lymphatic mechanics.
  • Discussion of molecular pathways involved in lymphatic growth.
  • Analysis of mechanotransduction in disease models.

Main Results:

  • Mechanical forces are key regulators of lymphatic vascular growth and maturation.
  • Mechanisms governing lymphatic development in mouse embryos are detailed.
  • Potential impact of mechanical forces on cancer spread and lymphedema is considered.

Conclusions:

  • Mechanical forces significantly influence lymphatic vessel development and function.
  • Further research into lymphatic mechanobiology is needed for therapeutic strategies.
  • Understanding these forces can shed light on cancer metastasis and lymphedema.