5. Lymphatics of the Pelvic Limbs.
—A number of lymphatic vessels are formed on the dorsum and the sole of the foot. These pass to the lateral side, forming a network on the lateral and dorsal surface of the ankle-joint, and finally unite into two main trunks which accompany the vena saphena parva. In the popliteal space these enter the popliteal gland which lies imbedded in the fat of that region. From the popliteal gland one or two trunks accompany the superficial division of the vena saphena parva across the lateral surface of the biceps muscle, and finally thus reach the pelvic cavity. Here they join the lymphatics of the pelvic region, which all pour their lymph at last into the thoracic duct. Inguinal glands are either very small or not present in the cat.
The pelvic limbs have perhaps a deep system of lymphatics, accompanying the deep veins; if so, they are not easily demonstrable.
Fig. 133.—Cranial Portion of the Spinal Cord, with the Cervical Enlargement. Dorsal View.
1-8, the eight cervical nerves. I-II, first two thoracic nerves. a, dorsal roots (ventral roots not shown); b, spinal ganglia; c, dorsal rami; d, ventral rami; e, posterior median sulcus; f, posterior lateral sulcus.