A MATHEMATICAL-MODEL OF FLOW-THROUGH THE TERMINAL LYMPHATICS

Proper understanding of the mechanisms of fluid absorption and flow th rough the terminal lymphatics is essential for the control of several Pathological conditions such as edema, bedsores and cancer. A mathemat ical model of the terminal lymphatics was developed using the principl es of mechanics. Computer simulation results substantiate the hypothes is that fluid absorption and flow through the terminal lymphatics occu r due to suction mechanisms of the adjacent contractile lymphatic segm ents and due to periodic fluctuations in the interstitial fluid pressu re. In addition, the results suggested that increasing the length of a terminal lymphatic vessel beyond a certain limit does not cause furth er increase in fluid flow into the terminal lymphatic.