THE LYMPHATICS 213 



The Iliac Glands. — These are fewer in number than the precrural 

 glands. Of these there are usually five or six, and they are arranged in 

 a cluster between the two divisions of the circumflex-iliac artery. In 

 addition to the afferent vessels, from the precrural glands, other vessels 

 which run to this group drain the lymph from the wall of the abdomen. 

 The efferent vessels pass to the sublumbar glands. 



The Superficial Inguinal Glands. — In this group there are from ten to 

 twelve lobules arranged in a short chain along the course of the sub- 

 cutaneous abdominal artery. They are placed immediately in front of the 

 external abdominal ring. The afferent vessels to this group drain the 

 lymph from the sheath and scrotum, the abdominal wall, and the inner 

 aspect of the thigh. The efferent vessels, which, of course, are fewer and 

 larger, pass into the inguinal canal, following therein the course of the 

 inguinal nerves and the external pudic artery. They leave the canal by 

 the internal abdominal ring and pass to the deep inguinal glands. 



The Deep Inguinal Glands. — This a group of large glands which are 

 found in the upper part of the interstice between the sartorius and 

 gracilis muscles in relation to the femoral vessels, the course of which 

 they follow. They extend from the brim of the pelvis for a distance of 

 eight to ten inches along the course of the artery. The glands vary in 

 colour, some being grey, whilst others are brown or may be nearly black. 

 In addition to the vessels which come from the superficial inguinal group, 

 other afferent vessels to this group drain the lymph from the superficial 

 vessels which follow the course of the internal saphena vein, whilst others 

 are deeply seated along the course of the femoral vein. The afferent 

 vessels proceed along the course of the external iliac artery to the sub- 

 lumbar glands. 



In cases ot such infections as lymphangitis, in which the glands 

 become very much enlarged, the deep inguinal glands may be distinctly 

 felt by palpating between the sartorius and the gracilis muscles. 



The Sublumbar Glands. — The afferent vessels to these glands 

 drain the lymph from the hind limb, from the pelvis, the abdominal 



