[Growth of the jugular lymph sacs and establishment of the topography of the cervical portion of the thoracic duct during early human ontogenesis]

Abstract

In 196 human embryos, prefetuses, fetuses and newborns, by means of a complex of morphological methods, development of the jugular lymphatic sacs and the process of settling of the thoracic duct cervical part topography have been studied. The jugular lymphatic sac anlages take place on the 6th week of the development. From the lymphatic cleft, situating in the mesenchyme near the anterior cardinal veins, multichambered cavities laid with endotheliocytes are forming,--the jugular lymphatic sacs. Connection of the initially close lymphatic sacs with the venous system takes place secondarily by the end of the embryonic period of development. In the area of the sac ostia a valve is formed, that makes morphological premises for unidirected lymph flow into the venous system. The lymph nodes developing at the place of the reducing jugular lymphatic sacs, ensure formation: from the left jugular lymphatic sac--the cervical part of the thoracic duct, from the right jugular lymphatic sac--the right lymphatic duct and the jugular and the subclavicular lymphatic trunks. Variability in the form and topography of these structures are determined both by the form and construction of the jugular lymphatic sacs and by developmental peculiarities of the lymph nodes at their place. The process of settling of the thoracic duct cervical part topography depends on age changes of its size and form, as well as on development of structures situating nearby, and by the time of birth it is not completed.