CENTRAL LYMPH PROPULSION

JW Shields

Abstract


Dissections reveal that each lymphatic organ characteristic
of species is supplied with lymph heart,
smooth muscles, or striated muscles whose contract
ions (along with transmitted arterial pulsations and
changing gravitational forces) coord inately propel
lymph centrally during breathing, swallowing, food
absorption and joint flexion . In aquatic vertebrates
and amphibians lymph hearts, closely related to the
gi lls, propel central lymph into the jugular veins. In
aerial vertebrates with well-developed lungs, the striated
muscles which enable ventilation, propel central
lymph into large veins coursing through the thoracic
inlet at rates commensurate with oxygen consump·
tion under normal conditions.


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