ORGANS OF THE BODY. 



445 



Fig. 429. Transverse section through the 

 cortical substance of the human supra- 

 renal body, a, framework of connec- 

 tive-tissue ; b, capillaries ; c, nuclei ; rf, 

 gland cells. 



These interstices are likewise occupied by naked cells, with beautiful 

 vesicular nuclei and finely granular bodies. 

 Fatty molecules are present, however, in 

 this case in but small quantity. The 

 dimensions of the cells (0-0180-0-0350 

 mm.) exceed those of the cortical elements. 

 Owing to their softness, also, they accom- 

 modate themselves one to another. Frpm 

 the fact of their form being somewhat 

 that of a thick angular plate, they recall 

 to mind, when seen from the side, the 

 appearance of columnar epithelium. It 

 is a point worthy of note that, while the 

 cells of the cortical portions of the organ 

 are but slightly affected by the action of 

 bichromate of potash, the bodies of these 

 which are now under consideration ac- 

 quire a deep tinge of brown from immer- 

 sion in a solution of this salt (Henle). 



The blood-vessels of the suprarenal body 

 offer many peculiarities for our consideration. They are very abundant 

 in this organ. Multitudes of small arterial twigs, partly from the aorta 

 and partly from the phrenic, cseliac, lumbar, and renal trunks, penetrate 

 into the interior of the suprarenal body with numerous ramifications, 

 and break up there into a network of capillaries, whose elongated 

 meshes are arranged in the direction of the radiating bands of tissue 

 within the organ. These small tubes have a diameter of about 0*0059- 

 0-0074 mm., and follow the course of the connective-tissue processes 

 which traverse the cortical substance. The meshes formed by them, 

 measuring about 0-0451-O0564 mm. in length, and 0'0293-0'0201 

 mm. in breadth, invest eventually the many agglomerations of cells already 

 alluded to. The medullary portion appears to have no true capillaries, and 

 the cortex is certainly destitute of venous twigs. 



On entering the medulla the arterial capillaries become larger, and 

 form, by anastomosis, a number of vessels of considerable calibre. These, 

 then, continue to join one with another at acute angles, maintaining, as a 

 rule, the direction of the capillaries of the cortex. Thus the whole of 

 the medulla becomes occupied, to a great .extent, by an uncommonly 

 highly developed venous network of tubes, measuring '0200-0 '02 9 3 

 mm. and upwards, with interspaces between them of 0'0200-0'0345 mm. 

 The union of these vessels produces larger, which empty themselves into 

 the usually single large venous trunk, situated in the centre of the organ. 

 Thus we find the cortical portion traversed by a delicate arterial interlace- 

 ment, and the medulla occupied by a coarse venous network. 



As regards the lymphatics of the organ, we possess at present no 

 reliable information. 



The chief interest, however, which attaches to the medulla is owing to 

 its great richness in nerves (Bergmann) which are arranged here in many 

 mammals in a highly intricate plexus of microscopic minuteness, in which, 

 according to Holm, ganglion cells may be recognised, Owing to this it 

 has been surmised that the suprarenal body has some connection with the 

 nervous system. The final termination of the nerves is still unknown. 

 The cortical portion often appears to be utterly devoid of nerve fibres. 



