266 OF THE ABSORBENT \ESSELS. 



part of the absorbent system, and resemble the lacteals 

 in structure and function, are much more, and perhaps, 

 indeed, universally, diffused.* They arise principally 

 from the mucous web, which we therefore called the 

 grand bond of connection between the sanguiferous and 

 absorbing system ; (27) but in great numbers likewise 

 from the external common integuments, from the fauces 

 and oesophagus, (330), the pleura and peritonaeum, and 

 from the thoracic and abdominal viscera.f 



433. Their origin is similar to that of the lacteals 

 in the intestines, so that the radicle of each lymphatic 

 absorbs the fluid from the neighbouring cellular mem- 

 brane, as from its territory, and propels it onwards. 



434. The lymphatics have double valves, set more 

 or less thickly in diil'orent parts ; they all enter con- 

 globate glands; those which are contiguous to each 

 other anastomose here and there ; and those found on 

 the surface of certain viscera, as the lungs, liver, &c. 

 form a most beautiful network. 



435. Besides other aids to their functions, evident 

 from what has already been said, no inconsiderable 

 assistance is derived from the combination of great 

 strength with thinness in their coats, by which they are 

 enabled to support a heavy column of quicksilver. 

 In the limbs, especially, the motion of the muscles 

 pressing them on every side, is highly useful in increas- 

 ing their power. 



vasts lymphaticis glanditlisquc cong-lobati.t. Bcrol. 1757. 4to. And the cele- 

 brated Al. Monro, films, DC veitix lymphaticis valvtilosis. ib. same year. 8vo. 



* W. Hunter, Medical Commentaries. P. i. p. 5 sq. 



f Mascagni. Tab. i. ii. iii. 



T. Gottl. Haase, DC vasia cutk et iittcstinorum absorbentibus, Sfc. Lips. 

 1786. fol. tab. i. 



