Plantar Lymphatic Network

Abstract

Anatomicaldescriptions of the lymphatic system of the foot are still imprecise. In the present report we aim to elucidate theanatomical substrate of the plantar lymphatic network in order to improve thecurrent clinical practice on the foot. For the study 25 human cadaveric and 8 fetuses to term lower limbs wereemployed. All cadavers were subjected to injections procedures, formalized,immersed in a solution of hydrogen peroxide and finally dissected. On 6 of thefetal samples, the diaphanization Spatelholz technique was followed. The superficial lymphatic network of the soleis morphologically divided into three plexuses: anterior, medium and posterior,with the medium differing from the rest. The anterior plexus presents lymphaticvessels forming scarce polygonal figures of considerable size which convergetowards the medial edge constituting ascending trunks. The middle plexus ischaracterized by the presence of transversal interconnected trunks, whichextend from one edge to the other of the sole. The posterior plexus presentedpolygonal figures of smaller size and greater number than the anterior plexusand also forms ascending trunks that are directed to the dorsal surface of thefoot. These observations evidenced thatthe plantar lymphatic network display important differences among the caliberof the lymphatic vessels as well as in the communication and morphologicalshape of their plexus. A comparative distribution and organization between thelymphatic and the venous networks is offered.