Anatomical structures of the matrix channel network for interstitial fluid flow in the human hand

doi:10.16098/j.issn.0529-1356.2025.03.008

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Acta Anatomica Sinica ›› 2025, Vol. 56 ›› Issue (3) : 307-314. DOI: 10.16098/j.issn.0529-1356.2025.03.008

Anatomy

Anatomical structures of the matrix channel network for interstitial fluid flow in the human hand

LI Tian-tian¹ ZHAO Jian-ping^1,2 YANG Chao-zhi³ CHEN Zhen⁴ WANG Nai-li⁴ LI Bei^1,2 CAI Jin^1,5 WANG Xiao-yu⁶ LI Hong-yi^1*

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Abstract

Objective To investigate the anatomical and microscopic structures of interstitial fluid flow channels in the skin tissue of hand dorsum in human cadavers. Methods Totally 7 fresh cadavers within 12 hours post-mortem were included. MRI was used to observe the distribution of interstitial fluid flow from the first phalanx of the fingers to the wrist, precisely locating the flow channels. Based on imaging results, histological analyses were conducted to determine the histological characteristics of the flow channels. Furthermore, multi-immunofluorescence and microcomputed tomography (Micro-CT) techniques were employed to analyze the channels, and image post-processing was used to elucidate their anatomical structures at the microscopic level. Results After injecting a contrast agent into the first phalanx of ten finger specimens and applying repeated pressure, MRI image revealed centripetal long-range interstitial fluid flow along channels distinct from blood vessels and lymphatic vessels. Histological analysis and Micro-CT further confirmed that the flow primarily occurred within the fibrous connective tissue and adventitia of the skin. Conclusion The orderly fibrous connective tissue and adventitia in the skin form the interstitial fluid flow channels in the human hand dorsum skin, named as “stromal membrane channels” in the skin.

Key words

Interstitial fluid flow / Fibrous connective tissue / Matrix-membrane channel / Magnetic resonance imaging / Human

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LI Tian-tian ZHAO Jian-ping YANG Chao-zhi CHEN Zhen WANG Nai-li LI Bei CAI Jin WANG Xiao-yu LI Hong-yi. Anatomical structures of the matrix channel network for interstitial fluid flow in the human hand[J]. Acta Anatomica Sinica. 2025, 56(3): 307-314 https://doi.org/10.16098/j.issn.0529-1356.2025.03.008

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