Multiscale Modelling of Lymphatic Drainage - Multiscale Computer Modeling in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering - page 147

Multiscale Modelling of Lymphatic
Drainage
Tiina Roose and Gavin Tabor
Abstract In this chapter we will describe the latest developments in the area of
lymphatic modelling. The lymphatic system is one of the key elements of the
human circulation, serving the dual functions of draining interstitial fluid and
returning this to the general blood circulation, together with processing this lymph
fluid which is a key component of the body's immune response system. Compared
to the main cardiovascular system however, remarkably little modelling has been
attempted. At the same time, the distribution of pumping activity (contractile
lymphangions coupled with simple valves) throughout the system, passive primary
lymphatics and complex lymph nodes combining to form an active network,
makes the system a prime candidate for multiscale modelling.
1 Introduction
Even though the existence of lymphatic vessels has been known since the sev-
enteenth century, until very recently not much was known about their functioning
and development. This was due to our failure to understand their importance in the
proper functioning of tissues. However, in the last ten years, lymphatics have come
to the forefront of biomedical research largely due to findings highlighting their
importance to cancer growth and metastasis [ 48 ]. Thus there are now a large
T. Roose ( & )
Bioengineering Sciences Research Group, Faculty of Engineering and Environment,
University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
e-mail: [e-mail]
G. Tabor
College of Engineering, Maths and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
e-mail: [e-mail]