THE INTRINSIC LYMPHATIC SYSTEM OF THE RECTUM / 解剖学报

ABSTRACT

The lymphatic capillaries and vessels in the wall of the rectum were studied on 40 fetal and infant cadavers with the method of injection into the lymphatics of the organ.In the mucous membrane of the reetum the lymphatic capillary network is situated in the deeper layer of the lamina propria between the crypts and the muscularis mucosa. The lymphatic capillaries surrounding the lymphatic nodules do not enter the nodules.In the submucosa, the lymphatic capillary network is situated immediately beneath the muscularis mucosae, and it drains into the submucosal lymphatic vessel plexus which lies beneath it. The larger lymphatic vessels arising from the plexus cross the tunica muscularis and pass into the regional lymphatic nodules.The muscular lymphatic capillary networks are found in the circular and longitudinal layers, and between the two layers, and between the two layers. The lymphatic vessels arising from these networks either jointo the submucousal vessels running across the muscular layers, or directly end in the regional nodes.It was observed that the shape and size of the lymphatic capillary networks of the ampulla of the rectum differs from that of the anal canal.The mucosal and submucosal lymphatic capillary networks above the dental line anastomose with those beneath this line.