268 ABSORBENT SYSTEAl. 



The Receptaculum Chj/li. 



This reservoir forms the point of general confluence of all 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, and 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 all the lymphatics 

 of the body into those that proceed to the abdominal and those 

 that run to the thoracic portion of the duct. 



I. Lymphatics discharging their Contents into the 



ABDOMINAL PoRTION OF THE ThORACIC DuCT. 



1. Lijmphatks of the Posterior Extremities. 



These are distinguishable into the superficial and deep-seated. 

 The first originate particularly from the skin and subcutaneous 

 cellular tissue. They form divers ramifications which accom- 

 pany the superficial veins ; of which the most remarkable attend 

 the vena saphena major, frequently anastomosing with one ano- 

 tiier, and forming altogether an anastomotic network. All these 

 lymphatics run to the subcutaneous inguinal glands, which are 

 lodged upon the superior and anterior part of the thigh. 



The deep-seated lymphatics take their rise from the foot, as- 

 cend 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 in- 

 guinal glands. 



All the lymphatics of the posterior limbs assemble at these 

 glands, and here form a plexus, from which several large branches 

 depart and traverse the iliac glands, clinging to the sides of the 

 iliac vessels, and discharge their contents into the pelvic branch, 

 contributing to the receptaculum chyli. 



2. Lymphatics of the Pelvis. 

 The vessels coming from this cavity run in part to the inguinal 

 glands and in part to the internal pelvic glands. The superficial 

 Tymphatics about the pubes and the outlet of the pelvis run and 

 join those of the extremity ; those of the perineum and anus 

 enter the cavity, and are accompanied by those coming from the 

 croup and tail, both proceeding to the glands within the interior 



