LYMPH FLOW MECHANISM OF THE SUBPERITONEAL DIAPHRAGMATIC LYMPHATICS

Abstract

Inorganic corpuscles like Indian ink and latex particles

as well as erythrocytes penetrate via stomata

on the peritoneal surface of the diaphragm into the

subperitoneal lymphatics when injected intraperi-

toneally. Electronmicroscopic examinations showed

that stomata are formed by intercellular gaps between

neighbouring mesothelial and endothelial

cells. In these areas there is a lacunar dilatation of

the lymphatics, and a basement membrane as well

as collagenous fibres are absent.

The back flow of the lymph fluid from the stomata

into the peritoneal cavity is prevented by overlapping

of mesothelial and endothelial cells during inspiration

as well as valve like cell processes of endothelial

cells.

The lymph flow is particularly affected by anchoring

filaments of the lymphatics and the respiratory

movement of the diaphragm.