FIGURE 4. Filling mechanism of initial lymphatics: interendothelial clefts. (A) Cross-sectional view shows that stretching of anchoring filaments (tissue edema, massage) pulls apart endothelial cells, allowing interstitial fluid to flow freely into lymphatic capillary. (B) Lymphatic endothelial cells are pulled apart and porous basement membrane is visible, acting as sieve for interstitial fluid entering lymphatic capillary (luminal surface of capillary).

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