Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 24, 2026
13:17
The Mesenteric Lymph Duct Cannulated Rat Model: Application to the Assessment of Intestinal Lymphatic Drug Transport
Published on: March 6, 2015
Lymphatic system of the rat pancreas
V Navas1, P J O'Morchoe, C C O'Morchoe
1Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez.
Lymphology
|March 1, 1995
Summary
The study reveals pancreatic lymphatic vessels are mainly interlobular, not closely linked to pancreatic cells. Their structure suggests limited transport of pancreatic secretions, similar to other encapsulated organs.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Microscopy
Background:
- The lymphatic system's role in pancreatic function is not fully understood.
- Investigating pancreatic lymphatic vessel structure is crucial for understanding fluid and macromolecule transport.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution, extent, and structure of lymphatic vessels in the rat pancreas.
- To elucidate the ultrastructural characteristics and transport mechanisms of pancreatic lymphatics.
Main Methods:
- Combined light and electron microscopy with morphometric analysis.
- Perfusion fixation and serial sectioning for detailed ultrastructural examination.
- Identification of lymphatic vessels using characteristic features and valve presence.
Main Results:
- Interlobular lymphatic vessels are prevalent throughout the pancreas, associated with blood vessels in connective tissue.
- Intralobular lymphatics are rare; lymphatic walls have limited direct contact with acinar cells or islets.
- Ultrastructure shows features consistent with intercellular and intracellular transport, with rare large gaps between endothelial cells.
Conclusions:
- Pancreatic lymphatic vessels primarily remove interstitial macromolecules, not directly involved in transporting pancreatic secretions.
- Lymph formation in the pancreas resembles that in encapsulated organs like the kidney and liver, rather than the dermis or diaphragm.
Related Concept Videos
01:16Lymphatic 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.
This one-way system allows fluids, solutes, and even pathogens to enter but prevents their return to the intercellular spaces.
01:15Development 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...
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...
01:19Pancreas
The pancreas, an essential organ in the human body, is a pinkish-gray elongated structure located posterior to the stomach. It extends laterally from the duodenum towards the spleen and is firmly bound to the posterior wall of the abdominal cavity. The organ's surface has a lumpy, lobular texture that gives it a unique appearance.
The broad head of the pancreas lies within the loop formed by the duodenum, while its slender body reaches towards the spleen. The tail of the pancreas is short and...
The broad head of the pancreas lies within the loop formed by the duodenum, while its slender body reaches towards the spleen. The tail of the pancreas is short and...