title: A mathematical model of flow through the terminal lymphatics.
abstract: Proper understanding of the mechanisms of fluid absorption and flow through the terminal lymphatics is essential for the control of several pathological conditions such as edema, bedsores and cancer. A mathematical model of the terminal lymphatics was developed using the principles of mechanics. Computer simulation results substantiate the hypothesis that fluid absorption and flow through the terminal lymphatics occur due to suction mechanisms of the adjacent contractile lymphatic segments and due to periodic fluctuations in the interstitial fluid pressure. In addition, the results suggested that increasing the length of a terminal lymphatic vessel beyond a certain limit does not cause further increase in fluid flow into the terminal lymphatic.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Akron, Ohio 44325-0302, USA.
authors.forename: N P
authors.initials: NP
authors.lastname: Reddy
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Patel
mesh_terms: D001698:Biomedical Engineering; D055592:Biophysical Phenomena; D001703:Biophysics; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004487:Edema / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008196:Lymph / Q000502:physiology*; D008208:Lymphatic System / Q000502:physiology*; D008433:Mathematics; D008954:Models, Biological; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology; D011312:Pressure; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000503:physiopathology; D012212:Rheology