OEGANS OF THE BODY. 409 



sometimes bedded in several rows one over the other. Owing to this, the 

 depth of the whole cortical portion in the different lymphatic glands is 

 liable to great variation. 



Further, the diameter of the follicles varies according to the species of 

 animal, and also the region of the body. It may range from 0'3760 to 

 1*1279, or even 2 -25 5 8 mm., and upwards. 



The form of these constituents of the organ is generally roundish, 

 bulging greatly towards the circumference of the gland. Exceptions, 

 however, are frequently met with here also. When closely crowded, the 

 follicles of the cortical portion exhibit usually a certain amount of 

 accommodation towards each other, leading to a more or less definite 

 polyhedral flattening of each. Besides this, the fact that the follicles are 

 pointed at their internal portion, which is directed towards the centre, 



Fig. 400. Reticular connective substance from a Peyer's follicle of an old 

 rabbit, which may also be made use of as exemplifying the structure of 

 the follicles of lymph-nodes, a, the capillaries; 6, reticulated susten- 

 tacular matter of connective-tissue with shrunken cell-bodies ; c, lymph- 

 cells. 



is quite apparent in most cases, so that the whole presents a somewhat 

 pear-shaped form (fig. 398). More distinctly pronounced variations may 

 be met with when in the cortical portion of a lymph-gland several rows 

 of follicles are crowded one over the other. 



With the tissue of the follicles (fig. 400) we have already been made 

 acquainted ( 117, p. 195). It consists of reticular connective-tissue, 

 formed of the well-known cellular network, in all directions continuous, 

 with roundish polyhedral or irregularly shaped meshes. It is, however, 

 liable to vary greatly, both as to the bodies of the cells, the number and 

 strength of their processes, and the breadth of the meshes formed by the 

 interlacement of the latter. These differences depend upon the age and 

 turgescence of the lymph-gland, and also upon its state as regards health 

 and disease. 



