Characteristics of the structural organization of the epicardial lymphatic network of the heart in young children

In infancy formation of the epicardial lymphatic network is not completed, its spatial organization is polymorphic and depends on localization in the heart. Already in newborns at the apex cordis small areas of regularly formed double-layered lymphatic network are noted. In all other parts the network is monolayered. Near the apex cordis its loops are finer, there are more closed loops. In the middle and superior third of the ventricles the lymphatic network density is less, a great number of open loops and lateral blind protrusions are recorded. Presence of the areas with double-layered network in the apex cordis is connected with a thicker myocardium in this part, and certain increase of its area during infancy demonstrates that there is a tendency of gradual formation of the epicardial lymphatic network from the apex towards the base of the organ.