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 contractions (along with transmitted arterial pulsations and changing gravitational forces) coordinately propel lymph centrally during breathing, swallowing, food absorption and joint flexion. In aquatic vertebrates and amphibians lymph hearts, closely related to the gills, 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 consumption under normal conditions.
How to Cite:
Shields, J., (1980) “CENTRAL LYMPH PROPULSION”, Lymphology 13(1), 9-17.
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