Functional significance of the evolution, and the anatomy of the mammalian thoracic duct
Kothari, M.L.; Mehta, L.; Kothari, J.; Kothari, M.L.
Indian Journal of Medical Sciences 24(7): 414-418
1970
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5359 PMID: 5535565 Document Number: 5328
An integrative concept is presented to provide a functional basis for the evolution of the mammalian thoracic duct. The article may afford a larger understanding of not only the evolution but also the anatomy of the mammalian cisterna chyli and the thoracic duct: their beginning in the upper abdomen, the passage through the thorax and the the termination at the root of the neck. The vertebrate lymphatic system consists of a widespread network of thin-walled lymphatics. Lymph nodes as well as a well-defined thoracic duct first make their appearance in the birds but reach their consummate development in the mammals. The emergence of the thoracic duct in the homoiothermic vertebrates, birds and mammals, elegantly demonstrates a principle that, in the working of the Natural Selection, functional necessity is the mother of structural innovation. The present communication attempts to illustrate the same with regard to the evolution and the anatomy of the mammalian thoracic duct.
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