[Anatomy and physiology of the lymph system : What clinicians should know].
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative educational review of anatomy and physiology without original human empirical data
PubMed 40121374 · doi:10.1007/s00117-025-01432-2
What was done
This is a narrative educational review describing the anatomical structure, endothelial markers, and physiological transport mechanisms of the human lymphatic system, ranging from peripheral initial lymphatics to the central thoracic duct.
What was found
The abstract provides a descriptive anatomical overview without empirical numerical data. It outlines the hierarchy of the lymphatic vasculature: initial lymphatic vessels with open endothelial junctions expressing VEGFR-3, podoplanin, and LYVE-1; precollectors with irregular smooth muscle and valves; collectors containing continuous spiral smooth muscle providing rhythmic lymphangion propulsion; lymphatic trunks; filtering lymph nodes organized into cortex and medulla; and central drainage via the thoracic duct into the left venous angle.
Why it matters
A clear understanding of lymphatic vessel architecture and flow dynamics is essential for clinicians and radiologists interpreting lymphatic imaging, managing lymphedema, and planning central lymphatic interventions.
Limits
The abstract reports no primary experimental, clinical, or quantitative data. As a narrative review, it lacks a systematic literature search strategy and comparator analyses.