472 SURGICAL APPLIED ANATOMY. ICH^P. xxm. 



phlebitis tliaii are like lesions when situated upon the 

 sole. Venesection is sometimes performed in the 

 foot, the vein opened being either one of those forming 

 the dorsal plexus, or more usually the internal 

 saphenous vein just above the malleolus. The vessels 

 are rendered conspicuous by placing the foot in hot 

 water, and then applying a constricting band around 

 the leg. 



The lymphatics form a very fine and elaborate 

 plexus in the coverings of the sole, from which vessels 

 arise that reach the borders and dorsum of the foot, 

 and principally the inner border. The main lymph 

 vessels of the part are found upon the dorsum and 

 about the radicles of the two saphenous veins. Those 

 on the inner side of the foot are by far the more 

 numerous ; they follow pretty generally the course of 

 the internal saphenous vein, and end in the inguinal 

 glands. The external vessels pass up along the outer 

 ankle and outer side of the leg. The bulk of them 

 pass obliquely across the ham to join the inner set 

 above the knee ; others reach the inner set by crossing 

 the front of the tibia, while a few follow the short 

 saphenous vein and end in the popliteal glands. Thus, 

 so far as the foot is concerned, lymphangitis is more 

 common after wounds of the dorsum than after 

 wounds of the sole, although in the latter locality the 

 frequent retention of pus beneath the dense fascia 

 greatly favours lymphatic inflammations. Since many 

 vessels cross the shin on their way from the outer to 

 the inner set of vessels, it will be seen that abrasions, 

 etc., of that part of the limb are very apt to be 

 followed by inflammation of the lymph canals. A 

 lesion on the inner side of the foot, and most lesions 

 on the dorsum, will be associated with enlargement of 

 the inguinal glands ; while a like mischief on the 

 outer border of the foot may affect either the inguinal 

 or the popliteal chain of glands. 



