Fine Structure of Lymphatics in the Myocardium

Abstract

Myocardium contains a loose network of lymphatics. The wall of cardiac lymphatics consists
of a flat endothelium without a continuous basal membrane. In the normal heart, lymphatic
endothelium shows an extensive folding. In inflammatory edema of the interstitium, lymphatic
lumina become unfolded, intercellular junctions of endothelial cells open, and many lipoproteid
complexes occur in endothelial cytoplasm. The cardiac lymphatic system is regarded as a vascular
drainage system which increases in importance under pathologic conditions.