DISTRIBUTION OF THE LYMPHATICS. 171 



the duct.* It has also a ligamentous band around it, at this 

 part, which confines it to the vein receiving its contents. 



" THE RECEPTACULUM CHYLA. 



" This reservoir forms the point of general confluence of ail 

 the lymphatics of the posterior limbs and abdomen, and that 

 from which originates the thoracic duct. It is maintained by 

 the aorta on one side, the vena cava posterior on the other, 

 and is formed by the union of five or six large lymphatics, 

 of which two or three come from the entrance of the pelvis, 

 two or three others from the mesentery, a single one from the 

 environs of the stomach and liver." 



The Professor here makes a classification of the lymphatics 

 of the body. 



LYMPHATICS DISCHARGING THEIR CONTENTS INTO THE ABDOM- 

 INAL PORTION OF THE THORACIC DUCT. 



" 1. LYMPHATICS OF THE POSTERIOR EXTREMITIES. 



" These are distinguishable into the superficial and deep- 

 seated. The first originate from the skin and subcutaneous 

 cellular tissue. They form divers ramifications which 

 accompany the superficial veins ; of which the most re- 

 markable attend the vena saphena major, frequently anasto- 

 mosing with one another, and forming an anastomotic net- 

 work. All these lymphatics run to the subcutaneous ingui- 

 nal glands, which are lodged upon the superior and anterior 

 part of the thigh. 



" The deep-seated lymphatics take their rise from the 

 foot, ascend along with the plantar veins, continue upward 

 among the muscles, in company with the deep-seated veins, 

 corresponding in their principal divisions to those vessels, and 

 proceed to the inguinal glands. 



" All the lymphatics of the posterior limbs assemble at 



* Notwithstanding this valve, blood often gains admission into the canal; 

 this is observable in all cases of violent death, or in which struggles and 

 convulsions attend expiration. 



