[Scanning electron microscope study of the liver microcirculation]

During the experimental investigation performed in dogs and rats, by means of scanning electron microscopy of corrosive anatomical preparations, the spatial organization of all parts of the hepatic vascular bed (arterial, venous and lymphatic) has been studied, specific features of their components construction have been described. Within the limits of one hepatic lobule the number of vessels included in the portal vein system exceeds that of the arterial ones, originating from the proper hepatic artery system. In every part of the vascular bed the gradient of the form, orientation and pronouncement of the nuclei-containing zones in endotheliocytes and myocytes has been established. Various appliances participating in the blood and lymph stream regulation in different parts of the vascular bed have been revealed. As initial elements of the lymph bed, closed digital or loop-like capillaries should be regarded, they localize in the organ's connective tissue framework. Around the portal and hepatic veins and their branches, as well as around the biliary ducts, well developed plexuses of the lymphatic and blood capillaries and vessels localize, they are the main draining pathways of the organ. The degree of development and pronouncement of these plexuses depends on the lumen size in the formation they accompany.