[Microrelief of the internal surface of the thoracic duct in dogs (based on scanning electron microscopy data)]

The investigation has been performed on 17 mature dogs. With the aim to investigate the internal surface of the thoracic duct, the methods of scanning electron microscopy of native, impregnated and corrosive preparations have been used. The analysis of the scannograms obtained demonstrates that the valves of the thoracic ducts are mainly bicuspid, have a typical infundibular form, their cuspides are fused, forming a mesentery-like fold on the duct wall. It plays the main role in ensuring unilateral transport of lymph. The microrelief of the thoracic duct endothelium possesses a rather complex organization. The following relief formations are distinguished in endotheliocytes: 1. nuclei-containing eminence, 2. marginal processes, 3. separate microvilli. The dependence of the microrelief on arrangement of endothelial cells in the valvular area or intervalvular fragments is noted. This is also concerned orientation of endotheliocytes; therefore, predominance of stretched endotheliocytes of the postvalvular fragment can be connected with demonstration of viscous friction force in the lymph stream, that produces deforming and orienting influence on the endotheliocytes.