A MECHANISM OF LYMPHATIC ABSORPTION FROM SEROUS CAVITIES

Abstract

Lymphatic absorption was effected in the absence of intra-abdominal factors by retracting the liver (rabbit) and pouring ink upon the exposed diaphragm; and by pouring ink upon the excised diaphragm and stretching the tissue. Lymphatic absorption is evidently the result of a relative neg. pressure in the expanding lymphatic lumen and lymphatic flow the result of compression of lymphatic terminals. These principles were demonstrated for peritoneal, pleura!, pericardial, and pleuro-pericardial cavities in lower forms.