ABSORPTION OF CHYLE. 



69 



Fiy. 24. 



26. The chyle is destined to be mixed with the blood, to repair 

 the losses which this liquid sustains by nourishing the organs; 

 and that this mixture may be effected, it is pumped up by a par- 

 ticular set of vessels which pour it into the veins. 



27. This passage of the chyle 

 from the intestine into the circu- 

 latory system is known under 

 the name of absorption oj chyle. 



28. The absorption of chyle 

 is performed by the lymphatic 

 vessels of the intestines, which 

 are called for this reason, cky- 

 lifcrous vessels, ( or lacteals, 

 from the appearance they pre- 

 sent when filled with chyle.) 



29. These vessels, which are 

 extremely delicate, arise (by 

 imperceptible orifices on the 

 mucous membrane that lines 

 the bowel,) from different parts 

 of the small intestine by a multi- 

 tude of branches, which little by 

 little, unite among themselves, 

 as we remarked of the veins; 

 and after having traversed the 



small organs, called mesenteric 

 glands, empty into a conduit or 

 canal, called the thoracic duct, 



(Fig. 24.) 



Explanation of Fiy. 24. Represents a portion of the small intestine (t) 

 upon which we see the chyliferous vessels, 'he thoracic duct and the course fol. 

 lowed by the ohyle to reach t!ie vrins. m. part of the peritoneum which 

 serves to hold the intestines in their place, and which is called mesentery. 

 ce. chyliferous vessels. gm. rnesenteric glands. r . reservoir of Pecquet or 

 receptacle of chyle, which is a slight dilatation of the thoracic duct, soon 

 after its commencement. I. lymphatic vessels coming from all parts of the 

 body to the receptacle of the chy'e. ct. thoracic duct which ascends along 

 side the aorta, (an.) passes behind the heart (c.) and empties into the left 

 sub.clavian vein, (vsc)-v n. vena cava, descending to the right auricle. 



96. What is the use of Chyle ? Into what blood vessels does the chyle 

 tnter? 



27. What name is given to the passage of chyle into the circulation ? 



28. How is the absorption of chyle effected ? 



29. What are the chyliferous vessels? Where do they arise ? Where do 

 they empty ? 

 fi* 



