THE SUPERFICIAL LYMPHATIC SYSTEM OF THE CAT

Abstract

The superficial lymphatic system of fifty-four domestic cats was studied after the subcutaneous injection of India ink. The drainage areas of the lymph nodes are as follows: The lymph vessels of the head and neck drain into the parotid, mandibular, and superficial cervical lymph nodes. The vessels of the lateral surface of the forelimb and shoulder drain into the superficial cervical lymph node. The vessels of the medial aspect of the forelimb and shoulder course to the axillary and accessory axillary lymph nodes. The accessory axillary and internal lymph nodes receive the afferent vessels from the dorsum. The superficial inguinal lymph node drains the ventral portions of the abdominal and pelvic regions, the male external genitalia and flank. The mammary glands are drained by numerous afferent vessels of the· accessory axillary and superficial inguinal lymph nodes. The lateral surface of the hindlimb is drained by the popliteal and superficial inguinal lymph nodes; the medial aspect of the hindlimb is served by the afferent vessels of the superficial inguinal lymph node. The vessels of the tail course to the internal iliac, lateral sacral, and deep inguinal lymph nodes. The lymph vessels and nodes of the abdominal and pelvic cavities that were revealed by subcutaneous injection are described. The nodes included in this section are the internal iliac, lateral sacral, deepinguinal, external iliac, and lumbar nodes.