EM 313 Lacteals

Lacteals

Perfusion of both blood and lymphatic vessels with a polymer resin and subsequent removal of the tissue produces a cast of both vessels. Scanning electron micrograph of the cast provides detailed information about them in the tissue.

Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a blood and lymphatic vascular cast from the small intestine. The interior is covered with projections (villi). Located beneath the surface epithelium is loose connective tissue (lamina propria) that surrounds lymphatic capillaries known as lacteals.

• Lacteals (blue) – central, blind ending lymphatic capillaries that descend to join the submucosal lymphatics
  • Some villi contain more than one lacteal
• Blood Vessels (yellow) – villi are supplied with a rich blood supply by subepithelial capillary networks that surround the central lacteals
• Leakage (green) – between the villous capillary networks and the central lacteals is resin which leaked from the vessels

Lacteals are important in the absorption of fats and fat-soluble substances.

Courtesy of Osamu Ohtani, Department of Anatomy, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan.