444 ANATOMICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS. 



and connecting threads, by a process of absorption similar to 

 that which I have to describe as occurring in the placental 

 decidua.* 



The external surfaces of the intra-glandular lymphatics 

 are closely applied to one another. They are strengthened 

 here and there by fibrous bundles, the remains of the middle 

 tunic. These fibres are most distinct towards the surface of 

 the glands, and at the angles formed by the junction of one 

 lymphatic with another ; and when viewed in thin sections 

 seem to form arches inclosing circular or oval spaces, like the 

 fibrous matrix of the human kidney. 



The description usually given of the arrangement of the 

 bloodvessels in the lymphatic glands is sufficiently correct. 

 The ultimate capillaries, as I have observed, do not ramify in 

 the substance of the germinal membrane of the intra-glandular 

 lymphatics, but are merely in contact with its external surface. 

 In this respect they resemble the ultimate ducts of the true 

 secreting glands. 



The capillary network which surrounds the intra-glandular 

 lymphatics is as fine as that which supplies the ultimate 

 secreting ducts, and for the same purpose in both, to afford 

 matter for the continued formation of secreting epithelium on 

 the internal surface of the germinal membrane. 



The structure I have described affords, in my opinion, 

 satisfactory evidence 



1. That the lymphatic glands are merely networks of 

 lymphatic vessels, deprived of all their tunics but the internal, 

 the epithelium of which is highly developed for the per- 

 formance of particular functions. 



2. That these peculiar lymphatics are supplied with a fine 

 capillary network, to supply matter for the continual renovation 

 of the epithelium. 



* See page 457. 



