Fig. 3.

Lymphatic vasculature in the metabolic syndrome. The lymphatic system is composed of highly permeable blunt-ended lymphatic capillaries, which drain into larger collecting lymphatic vessels endowed with valves to prevent backflow and a muscular layer that propulses the lymph towards draining lymph nodes. Experimental models of metabolic syndrome components showed lymphatic dysfunction, including rarefaction, and dilation of initial lymphatic capillaries, but also enlargement, hyperpermeability, and poor contraction of collecting ducts, together resulting in reduced lymphatic transport capacity