Читать книгу Blackwell's Five-Minute Veterinary Consult: Reptile and Amphibian - Javier G. Nevarez - Страница 29

The lymphatic system is a wide network of lymphatic ducts, which are pumped by lymph hearts (smooth muscle dilations in lymphatic channels). Their primary connection with the venous system is at the base of the neck where a precardiac sinus transfers lymph to the venous system. A number of lymphatic trunks are described in mammals. The jugular trunk drains the head and neck regions. The subclavian trunk drains the forelimbs. The lumbar trunk drains the hind limbs, and the thoracic trunk drains the trunk and coelom. The lumbar and thoracic trunks form a dilation known as the cisterna chili. Some version of this system is suspected to exist in reptiles, but its specific anatomy and species variability are unknown.

The thymus of reptiles does not involute but does decrease in weight and size over time. In some species, such as crocodilians, there can be well‐defined and widespread gut‐associated lymphoid tissue. Well‐defined lymphoid aggregates may also be found in other tissues such as the lungs.