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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.
Secondary Lymphoid Organs01:15

Secondary Lymphoid Organs

Secondary organs, including lymph nodes, the spleen, and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT), work harmoniously to protect us from disease and infection.
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Gross Anatomy of the Lungs01:17

Gross Anatomy of the Lungs

The lungs are a pair of vital organs connected to the trachea via the left and right bronchi. The base of these organs meets the dome-shaped muscle known as the diaphragm. Encased by the pleurae, the lungs contact the mediastinum. The right lung is shorter yet wider, and has a larger volume than the left lung. The left lung has an indentation known as the cardiac notch. The superior region of the lungs is referred to as the apex, whereas the base is the lower region near the diaphragm. The...
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.
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Detailed Structure and Function of Lymph Nodes01:23

Detailed Structure and Function of Lymph Nodes

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 9, 2026

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

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Published on: May 1, 2015

Spontaneous activity in peripheral diaphragmatic lymphatic loops.

Andrea Moriondo1, Eleonora Solari, Cristiana Marcozzi

  • 1Department of Surgical and Morphological Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.

American Journal of Physiology. Heart and Circulatory Physiology
|July 30, 2013
PubMed
Summary

Diaphragmatic lymphatic vessels exhibit spontaneous contractions, crucial for lymph propulsion. Different lymphatic phenotypes work together to ensure efficient lymph flow in the pleural diaphragm periphery.

Keywords:
diaphragmatic lymphatic networkinitial lymphaticsintrinsic lymphatic mechanism

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Area of Science:

  • Physiology
  • Anatomy
  • Lymphatic System Research

Background:

  • The lymphatic system is vital for fluid balance and immune function.
  • Diaphragmatic lymphatic vessels play a key role in centripetal lymph transport.
  • Previous research has not fully elucidated the contractile properties of peripheral diaphragmatic lymphatics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To document the
  • in vivo
  • spontaneous contractility of peripheral diaphragmatic lymphatic vessels.
  • To characterize different contractile phenotypes of these lymphatics.
  • To investigate the role of smooth muscle actin in lymphatic contractility and lymph flux.

Main Methods:

  • in vivo
  • imaging of FITC-dextran-filled lymphatic vessels in anesthetized Wistar rats.
  • Immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy to detect smooth muscle actin.
  • Analysis of lymphatic segment phenotypes and temporal coordination of contractions.

Main Results:

  • Four lymphatic phenotypes were identified: active (51.8%), stretch-activated (4.1%), passive (4.5%), and inert (39.6%).
  • Smooth muscle actin distribution varied between active (dense mesh) and inert (sparse strips) segments.
  • Active, stretch-activated, and passive segments coordinated sequentially to propel lymph at approximately 150-200 pl/min.

Conclusions:

  • Peripheral diaphragmatic lymphatic vessels possess an intrinsic pumping mechanism for centripetal lymph propulsion.
  • A coordinated interplay between different lymphatic phenotypes ensures ordered lymph flux.
  • These findings highlight the unique functional properties of peripheral diaphragmatic lymphatics compared to central vessels.