[Functional anatomy of lymphangion]

Abstract

This paper reviews the results of the studies performed mainly by the Russian anatomists on the functional anatomy of lymphangion as a structural and functional unit of lymphatic vessel. One of the peculiar features of functional anatomy of lymphangion is the heterogeneity of its structures (myocytes, endothelium, blood supply and innervation). The functional heterogeneity of different lymphangions, which depends on the local differences in the combination of lymph flow factors, was demonstrated. The role of lymphatic vessels is discussed on the basis of significance of lymphangion in active lymph transport. This is demonstrated by the multiple correlations between lymphangion structure, rate and type of its contractions, length of thoracic duct lymphangions and contraction type (peristaltic, rhythmic), number of lymphangions of thoracic duct and its type (presence of collaterals), form of individual variability of thoracic duct and its myoarchitecture, body mass and lymphangion volume in various animals and at different stages of ontogenesis.