ABSORBENT SYSTEM. 271 



the liver : the latter run over the greater curvature, enter the glands 

 arranged along the fissure of the spleen, form communications 

 with the lymphatics of that viscus and those of the omentum, and 

 depart to contribute to the hepatic trunk. 



As to the Lynifhatics of the spleen, the superficial, like those of 

 the liver, come from the periphery of the organ and enter into a 

 thick and complicated network : the deep-seated issue from the 

 interior, and contract with the former numerous anastomoses. 

 Along the fissure of the spleen these vessels become united, form 

 large branches which follow the course of the splenic veins, and 

 anastomose with the lymphatics of the great curvature of the 

 stomach : both sets then run to the great fissure of the liver, 

 and there terminate in the hepatic trunk. 



The lymphatics of the omentum accompany the venous ramifi- 

 cations, and either join those of the great curvature of the sto- 

 mach, or the superficial absorbents coming from the ccecum caput 

 coli. Those around the pylorus anastomose with the pancreatic, 

 and accompany them to the hepatic trunk. 



The lymphatics of the pancreas also run with the divisions of 

 its veins, and join either those of the liver or those of the spleen : 

 some proceed directly to the common hepatic trunk. 



Besides these three portions or lymphatic trunks which con- 

 stitute the receptaculum chyli, the abdominal portion of the 

 thoracic duct also receives the lymphatics of the kidneys, and 

 renal capsules. These vessels, distinguished into superficial and 

 deep-seated, perforate the glands placed internally, next to the 

 parts from which they spring, and empty themselves into the 

 superior side of the thoracic duct. 



II. Ramifications terminating in the Thoracic 

 Portion of the main common Duct. 



This, the terminating portion of the thoracic duct, receives the 

 lymphatics transmitted from the internal dorsal, bronchial, and 

 cardiac glands, and those either from the left axillary glands, or 

 from the sublingual and guttural glands. In this numerous 

 series we find the lymphatics of the parietes and viscera of the 

 thorax, of the head, neck, and left anterior extremity. 



I. Lymphatics of the Parietes of the Thorax. 



The superficial absorbents of the thorax take their rise either 

 from the surface of the skin or else from the subcutaneous mus- 

 cles ; they form several large branches which accompany the 

 thoracic cutaneous vein, unite with the superficial lymphatics 



