Page:Structure and functions of the body; a hand-book of anatomy and physiology for nurses and others desiring a practical knowledge of the subject (IA structurefunctio00fiskrich).pdf/36

 *tends throughout the body and consists of a system of channels, spaces, and glands very closely related to the circulatory system and containing a fluid called lymph. There are three principal parts to the system: 1. the lymph spaces, which are open spaces, with no definite walls, in the connective-tissue framework of the body, more frequent near arteries and veins and especially so among the capillaries; 2. the lymph capillaries or small vessels which connect the lymph spaces; and 3. the lymphatic vessels, of which there is a deep and a superficial set, the latter accompanying the superficial veins on the surface of the body, the former accompanying the deep blood-vessels.

7.—Diagram showing the course of the main trunks of the absorbent system: the lymphatics of lower extremities meet the lacteals of the intestines at the receptaculum chyli, where the thoracic duct begins. The superficial vessels are shown in the diagram on the right arm and leg, and the deeper ones on the left arm. The glands are here and there shown in groups. The small right duct opens into the veins on the right side. The thoracic duct opens into the union of the great veins of the left side of the neck. (Yeo.)

The lymph spaces are generally small, though there