[The lymphatic system and its functioning in sheep].

Cannulation of the afferent and efferent lymph ducts of a lymph node in large domestic species have greatly facilitated the study of the immune system functions in mammals, both in physiological conditions and during immune responses to various pathogens. Summarizing the numerous studies undertaken in the ovine species, this review first presents a description of the structure and composition of the lymph nodes, vessels as well as the lymph fluid they transport. The functioning and the role of each of these immune compartments are also discussed. The characteristics and mechanisms of lymphocyte recirculation between the blood and the lymphatic system are treated in an other chapter. The last part is dedicated to analyzing the modifications observed in the ovine lymphatic system after antigenic stimulation.