LYMPH 



27 



the larger, and is known as the thoracic duct. It drains 

 the left side of the head and neck and thorax, the left upper 

 and both lower hnibs, and the whole of the abdomen with 

 the exception of the upper surface of the hver. The 

 remainder of the body is drained by the rigM lymphatic duct. 

 The lymphatics originate not only in the interstitial spaces 

 of the tissues, but also in the serous membranes such as 

 the pleura, pericardium and peritoneum, and from the joints. 



Fig. 3. — Showing diagrammatically the relation between cells, capillaries 

 and lymph. The lymph is shaded. The capillaries are shown, some 

 contracted, some distended. 



In the vilU of the small intestine they arise as the central 

 lacteals. In this region the lymphatics have the special 

 function of transporting fat from the intestinal epitheUum. 



In some part of their course the larger lymphatic vessels 

 are interrupted by the lymphatic glands. These consist 

 of masses of lymphocytes enclosed in a fibrous capsule. 

 The lymphocytes are here being formed ; they pass into 

 the circulation by the efferent lymphatics. 



The flow of lymph along the lymphatics is very slow. 

 Even the thoracic duct only pours out about 1 c.c. per 



