CHAPTER VIII 

 THE GLANDULAR SYSTEM 



glands are secretory organs of diverse character 

 and location. Some of them, as the liver and kidneys, are 

 large, while others, such as the conglobate or lymphatic 

 glands, are quite small. The mucous membranes that 

 line the glands also perform the function of secretion, for 

 they secrete the mucus in which they abound, as is seen 

 in the mouth, nostrils, throughout the alimentary canal, 

 and in the urinary organs. We will now consider these 

 structures, and also some of the soft bulbous organs that 

 perform the function of secretion. 



THE LYMPHATIC GLANDS 



The lymphatic glands are found distributed over all the 

 body, and consist of numerous small globular bodies con- 

 nected with the lymphatic vessels. 



The lymphatic glands are most commonly called con- 

 globate glands. They have no excretory duct except the 

 continuation of the lymphatic vessels. The largest of 

 the conglobate glands are the mesenteric, inguinal, and 

 axillary glands. These glands are not believed to secrete 

 material into the lymphatic system, but simply to alter 

 the character of the fluid passing through them. In this 

 sense they are considered the outposts of the body, de- 

 fending it against injurious substances that are carried into 

 the lymphatics. When poison or any irritating substance 

 is forced into the system, as into the extremities, these 



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