LYMPHATIC GLANDS. 359 



substance (fig. 94, V). The cortical portion consists of a 

 spongy alveolar tissue formed of septa of fibrous tissue 

 traversed by minute * 



blood-vessels. The la- 

 cunse or spaces in this 

 tissue freely communi- 

 cate with each other, 

 and are filled with fluid 

 containing nuclei and 

 cells. They constitute, 

 indeed, the direct con- 

 tinuations of the afferent 

 lymphatic vessels which enter the gland, and, after pene- 

 trating the capsule, lose their proper coats, and open out 

 into these spaces in the cortical part of the gland. After- 

 wards they acquire fresh coverings, pass into the central 

 or medullary part of the gland, where they form a dense 

 plexus of vessels embedded in a stroma of connective 

 tissue ; and then unite into one or more efferent vessels 

 (fig. 95), which, on issuing from the gland, receive an 

 external coat, and proceed on their way towards the main 

 lymphatic duct, in which they end. By the peculiar 

 arrangement of the lymphatic vessels at the cortex of the 

 glands, their contents are freely brought into relation, in 

 the lacunae, with the capillary blood-vessels spread over 

 the septa of these spaces, and a mutual interchange of 

 materials and influence is thus allowed. The main result 

 of this interchange appears to be the development of lymph- 

 corpuscles, for it is well-known that the amount of cell- 

 contents of lymph and chyle beyond the gland is far 

 greater than it was previously. An increase of fibrin also 

 occurs as a consequence of the transit through the glands. 



* Fig. 94 (after Kolliker). Section of a mesenteric gland from the 

 ox, slightly magnified, a, hilus; I (in the central part of the figure), 

 medullary suhstance; c, cortical substance with indistinct alveoli ; d, 

 capsule. 



