THE ABSORPTIVE SYSTEM. 89 



In all parts of the system the lymphat- 

 ics pass through small bodies called 



phatic <; lands. 



lymphatic glands, which vary in size 

 from that of a pin-head to an inch in diameter. It 

 is not definitely known what the function of these 

 glands is; but it is probable that they renovate or 

 work over the waste and surplus material brought 

 to them by the lymphatics, and that the lymph 

 globules originate in them. Whether this is true 

 or not, there can be no doubt that these glands are 

 essential to health; because, when they become 

 hardened or inflamed, as is often the case in persons 

 of a scrofulous tendency, health fails and the patient 

 grows thin and emaciated, even though his diet may 

 be of the proper kind and quantity. 



The lacteals, which we have considered 



The Lacteals, . m ' 



a Part of the in connection with the absorption of the 

 cs " food from the alimentary canal, are a 

 part of the lymphatic system. They constitute that 

 portion which begins in the villi of the intestines. 

 When the process of digestion is completed, they 

 serve as drain-pipes, like the lymphatics in the system 

 at large. Their special work, however, is that in 

 connection with the absorption of fatty food through 

 the walls of the intestines. 



We have learned how the blood "cir- 



TheL,ymphat- , . , 



ics compared culates; how it starts from the heart 



e , and after making the complete circuit, 



Blood- Vessels. ' 



is brought back to the heart again. We 



