The normal anatomy of the lymphatic system in the human leg

Abstract

The normal anatomy of the lymphatic system of the lower extremity of man has been described from 34 specimens. The investigation has shown that the lymphovascular network displays the following features:– A strictly regional pattern of drainage.No anastomoses between the subfascial and epifascial lymphatic trunks.No direct communications between the veins and lymphatics both in the epifascial and subfascial systems. The lymphoid system consists in man of popliteal and inguinal lymph-nodes. In both the lymph-node is neither an obligatory junction between the regional deep or superficial trunks nor does it represent an obligatory terminus for the relevant lymph-trunks.