Lymph vessel with valve

The lymphatic microvasculature is responsible for removing interstitial fluids and proteins from the body.  Tumor cells and leukocytes may enter the lymphatic microvasculature.  The lymphatic vessels are structurally and functionally distinct from the blood vascular system.  

This .STL file presents a roughly axi-symmetric model of a lymph vessel for 3-D printing and simulation ex-vivo and for computerized testing and manipulation in in 3-D desktop CAD editing environment.  The current model is optomized for 3-D printing compatibility.  

Change log

v. 1 - Created using Blender 2.71.  The valve was formed using a 2-D profile of a lymphatic valve as a template for the design.  Valve leaflets were added as projections extending inward from the innermost wall with respect to the luminal aspect of the structure.

Proposed changes - The structure needs confirmation that it can be printed to scale.  Design can be modified based on suitability of design for study requirements through additional structure and function data and application-specific manufacturing tests.

Sources

Lymphatic endothelium: morphological, molecular and functional properties. Pepper, Michael S. and Skobe, Mihaela.  J Cell Biol 2003 163:209-213. Published October 27, 2003, doi:10.1083/jcb.200308082

Gerli, R., L. Ibba, and C. Fruschelli. 1990. A fibrillar elastic apparatus around human lymph capillaries. Anat. Embryol.181:281–286.