AN6.1-3 | General Features of lymphatic system — Glossary

The fluid inside lymphatic vessels; similar to interstitial fluid but may contain plasma proteins, cellular debris, and lymphocytes

A blind-ended vessel with overlapping endothelial cells, absent basement membrane, and anchoring filaments; the initial segment of the lymphatic system

Elastic fibres connecting lymphatic endothelial cells to the surrounding extracellular matrix; pull open the overlapping cell gaps during tissue swelling

A segment of a lymphatic collecting vessel between two semilunar valves; contracts rhythmically to propel lymph forward

The largest lymphatic duct; begins at the cisterna chyli (L1-L2), ascends through the posterior mediastinum, and drains into the left venous angle

A short duct draining lymph from the right side of the head/neck, right upper limb, and right thorax into the right venous angle

A dilated lymphatic sac at the L1-L2 vertebral level where the lumbar and intestinal lymphatic trunks converge to form the thoracic duct

Specialised lymphatic capillaries in intestinal villi that absorb dietary long-chain fatty acids as chylomicrons; the milky fluid is called chyle

Milky lymph fluid in the lacteals and intestinal lymphatics containing emulsified dietary fats (chylomicrons)

A bean-shaped lymphoid organ that filters lymph; cortex contains B-cell follicles, paracortex contains T cells, medulla contains plasma cells and sinuses

Chronic swelling due to inadequate lymphatic drainage causing accumulation of protein-rich interstitial fluid; may be primary (genetic) or secondary (acquired)

Autosomal dominant primary lymphoedema caused by VEGFR3 mutation; presents at birth with non-pitting oedema of the lower limbs

Parasitic infection by Wuchereria bancrofti causing lymphatic obstruction and massive lymphoedema (elephantiasis); endemic in coastal India

Massive chronic lymphoedema with skin thickening and fibrosis, typically of the lower limbs or genitalia; caused by Wuchereria bancrofti in India

The first lymph node that receives drainage from a primary tumour; biopsy determines whether cancer has spread to regional nodes

The spread of cancer cells from a primary site to distant sites via lymphatics (lymphatic spread) or blood vessels (haematogenous spread)

The junction of the subclavian vein and internal jugular vein where lymphatic ducts empty lymph back into the venous circulation

A lymphatic vessel carrying lymph toward and into a lymph node; enters through the convex surface of the node

A lymphatic vessel carrying filtered lymph away from a lymph node; exits through the hilum

Accumulation of chyle in the pleural cavity due to thoracic duct injury; milky pleural effusion rich in triglycerides

A constellation of pulmonary hypoplasia, limb deformities, and flat facies caused by severe oligohydramnios from renal agenesis