748 



TEE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM 



group of popliteal nodes [Igl. popliteae], in the popliteal space, which are in the 

 course of the lesser saphenous vessels, and receive the vessels which accompany 

 the posterior tibial and peroneal vessels and those which drain the knee-joint. 



Fig. 592. — The Superficial Lymphatics op the Lower Extremity. (After Toldt, "Atlas of 

 Human Anatomy," Rebman, London and New York.) 



Superficial epigastric vein 



> 



2. THE LYMPHATIC VESSELS OF THE LOWER EXTREMITY 



As in the upper extremity, tlie su])Cutancous capillary plexus of the lower 

 varies greatly in comi)lexity, being most abundant in the soles of the feet. The 

 collecting vessels form two main groups. The medial, larger group follows the 

 saphenous vein, and ends in the superficial sul>inguinal nodes, while the lateral 



