194 MANUAL OF PHYSIOLOGY. 



In order clearly to understand the method by which absorp- 

 tion is accomplished, it is necessary to have some idea of the 

 absorbent system generally ; it may be well, therefore, at this 

 place to give a brief account of the construction of the special 



FIG. 80. 



Diagram showing the Course of the Main Trunks of the Absorbent System. The lym- 

 phatics of lower extremities, etc., meeting the lacleals of intestines at the receptaculum 

 chyli (R. c.), which opens into the thoracic duct. The superficial vessels are shown in the 

 diagram on the left arm and leg (s.), and the deeper ones on the arm to the right (D.). 

 The glands are here and there shown in groups. The small right duct opens into the 

 veins on the right side. The thoracic duct discharges into the union of the great veins 

 of the left side of the neck (T.). 



