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Lymphatic Channel Distribution in Comparison With Blood Vessels in the Upper Eyelid
Hirohiko Kakizaki1, Jose Miguel Ambat1, Jonnah Kristina Teope1
1Department of Oculoplastic, Orbital and Lacrimal Surgery, Aichi Medical University Hospital.
Purpose:
To examine microscopically the distribution of the lymphatic channels in comparison with the blood vessels in the upper eyelid.
Methods:
Central sagittal sections of 13 upper eyelids (8 right, 5 left) from 11 Japanese cadavers, aged 36 to 87 years old (average age: 66.6 years), were histologically examined. The specimens were fixed in 10% formalin. Staining with D2-40 for lymphatic channels and with the antibody for α-smooth muscle actin for blood vessels was utilized.
Results:
The lymphatic channels were mainly distributed superficially, just under the skin, but the blood vessels were situated deeper, and diffusely spread throughout the upper eyelid.
Conclusion:
The positional predispositions of the lymphatic channels and the blood vessels were different. The former is mainly superficial and the latter is deeper and diffuse.
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