r 



STRUCTURE OF LYMPHATIC GLANDS. 



197 



The thoracic duct is much larger than any of the numerous 

 tributaries which enter it at close intervals from all directions. 



Its lower extremity or point of origin is an irregular dilata- 

 tion called the receptaculum chyli, because the lymphatic vessels, 

 from the stomach and intestines, or lacteals as they are called, 

 pour their contents into it. The chyle from the intestines thus 

 flows into the same channel as the lymph which is derived from 



FIG. 83. 



Diagram of a Lymphatic Gland, showing (a 1) afferent and (e I) efferent lymphatic 

 vessels; (c) Cortical substance; (M) Medullary substance; (e) Fibrous coat sending tra- 

 becu lee (tr) into the substance of the gland, where they branch, and in the medullary 

 part form a reticulum ; the trabecuhe are surrounded by the lymph path or sinus, which 

 separates them from the adenoid tissue (I h). (Sharpey.) 



the drainage of the tissues and organs of the lower extremity, 

 the trunk and left side of the head, and neck, and arm ; and the 

 two fluids are mixed in the receptaculum chyli, and the other 

 parts of the thoracic duct. 



Along the course of the lymphatic vessels are numerous small 

 bodies called lymphatic glands or follicles, which are composed 



