ABSORBENT SYSTEM. 269 



of the pelvis. All the deep-seated lymphatics accompany the 

 veins, make for the pelvic glands, form unions with the others, 

 and run and empty themselves into the main pelvic branch, 

 wherein their lymph mixes with that coming from the inguinal 

 glands. 



The lymphatics of the urinary and genital organs, included 

 in the pelvic cavity, also traverse the glands lodged therein, and 

 unite with those of the parietes of the pelvis. Those of the 

 scrotum enter the inguinal glands, as also do those belonging to 

 the sheath and penis. The ramifications derived from the tes- 

 ticle and spermatic chord take the course of the veins, and pene- 

 trate one or two of the lumbar glands lodged at the entrance of 

 the pelvis. The lymphatics of the mammae, which are also di- 

 visible into superficial and deep-seated, run to the inguinal 

 glands, and anastomose with the superficial set belonging to the 

 inferior parietes of the abdomen ; but, before they reach these 

 last glands, they pervade those of the mammae. 



3. Lymphatics of the Pmietes of the Abdomen. 



These vessels, in general but little developed, for the most part 

 run to the inguinal glands. The superficial set of the lower 

 parietes accompany the cutaneous (inguinal) vein, anastomose 

 with the lymphatics of the scrotum and mammae, and traverse 

 the glands in the groin : some of them direct their course for- 

 ward along with the cutaneous (external thoracic) vein of the 

 thorax, unite with the superficial lymphatics of that part, and 

 proceed to the axillary glands. The deep-seated vessels of the 

 belly run in company with the epigastric vein, and go to the in- 

 guinal glands, or else they accompany the pectoral vein, and per- 

 vade the glands in front of the thorax. 



The superficial or subcutaneous lymphatics of the loins join 

 either those of the croup or those of the flanks : the deep-seated, 

 which spring from the peritoneum, muscles, and spinal canal, 

 perforate one of the internal lumbar glands, and pass onward to 

 terminate in the main pelvic branch. 



Among the lymphatics of the abdominal surface of the dia- 

 phragm, those issuing from the peritoneum and muscular texture 

 make almost all for the main hepatic branch ; some others take 

 the course of the phrenic veins, and form a union with those of 

 the thoracic side of the muscle. 



4. Absorbents of the Mesentery. 



The mesenteric trunks, ordinarily two or three in number, tlie 

 most considerable of which is constantly united to the great me- 



