Lymphatic Anatomy and Physiology

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Abhishek K Goswami, Emory University Hospital; Minhaj S Khaja, University of Virginia; Trevor Downing, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center; Nima Kokabi, Emory University; Wael E Saad, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda; Bill Majdalany, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2020-08-01
• Publisher: THIEME MEDICAL PUBL INC
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © Thieme Medical Publishers
• License: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1055/s-0040-1713440
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: SEMINARS IN INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY
• Volume: 37
• Issue: 03
• Start Page: 227
• End Page: 236
• Keywords: lymphatic; lymph node; anatomy; interventional radiology; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; Science & Technology; cisterna chyli; TESTIS; VENOUS-BLOOD; SYSTEM; Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging; thoracic duct
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Radiology

Abstract

Lymphatics have long been overshadowed by the remainder of the circulatory system. Historically, lymphatics were difficult to study because of their small and indistinct vessels, colorless fluid contents, and limited effective interventions. However, the past several decades have brought increased funding, advanced imaging technologies, and novel interventional techniques to the field. Understanding the history of lymphatic anatomy and physiology is vital to further realize the role lymphatics play in most major disease pathologies and innovate interventional solutions for them.