Topography of intrarenal lymphatics.

The intrarenal topography of lymph vessels injected with India ink was examined in 32 canine kidneys. In the upper portion of the renal cortex most lymphatics were associated with subcapsular veins and tubules. In the cortical midportion lymphatics were generally aligned with interlobular arteries and veins, glomeruli, and tubules. These lymphatics commonly encircled interlobular arteries and formed an interconnecting plexus adjacent to glomeruli. In the lower portion (i.e., corticomedullary zone), renal lymphatics passed between loops of Henle and collecting tubules.