SUPERFICIAL ABSORBENTS. 351 



, 



CHAPTER X. 



OF THE ABSORBENTS OF THE LOWER EXTREMITIES, THE 

 ABDOMEN, AND THE THORAX. 



UNDER this head are arranged the ramifications of all the 

 vessels which unite to form the Thoracic Duct. 



Of the Absorbents of the Lower Extremities. 



These absorbents, like the veins, are superficial and deep- 

 seated. The superficial lie in the cellular membrane, very 

 near the skin ; and form an irregular net-work which extends 

 over the whole limb. They are, however, most numerous on 

 the internal side. 



The deep-seated accompany the arteries like the veins, and 

 there are two at least to each artery. 



The Superficial Absorbents 



Have been injected from the toes so as to form a net-work, 

 which occupies the upper surface of the foot. They have also 

 been injected in a similar manner on the sole. Those on the 

 upper surface of the foot generally proceed upward on the 

 anterior and inner side of the leg ; but some of them pass on 

 the external side of it. Those on the sole are continued on 

 the back of the leg, but communicate very frequently with the 

 anterior vessels. Some of the absorbents from the outside of 

 the foot and leg enter into some of the popliteal glands, soon 

 to be described ; but they are not numerous ; and the principal 

 number continues up to the glands of the groin. The absorb- 

 ents which originate on the surface of the thigh, as well as 

 those which pass over it from below, incline gradually along 

 the anterior and posterior surface, to the internal side of it ; on 

 which they proceed in great numbers, and very near to each 



