Part 23 (2/2)

355. Describe the course of the blood from the right auricle in the heart to the lungs.

_Observation._ If the blood is not changed in the lungs, it will not flow to the pulmonary veins. This phenomenon is seen in instances of death from drowning, strangling, carbonic acid, &c. The same is true, but in a less degree, of individuals whose apparel is tight, as well as of those who breathe impure air, or have diseased lungs.

356. The left auricle, (12,) by its contraction, forces the blood into the left ventricle, (14.) The mitral valves (15) prevent its reflowing. From the left ventricle the blood is forced into the aorta, (16,) through which, and its subdivisions, it is distributed to every part of the system. The semilunar valves (17) prevent its returning.

_Observation._ The parts of the circulatory organs most liable to disease are the valves of the heart, particularly the mitral. When these membranous folds become ossified or ruptured, the blood regurgitates, and causes great distress in breathing. The operations of the system are thus disturbed as the movements of the steam engine would be if its valves were injured, or did not play freely.

357. The difference between the functions of the pulmonary artery and aorta is, the former communicates with the right ventricle of the heart, and distributes only impure blood to the lungs; the other connects with the left ventricle of the heart, and distributes pure blood to the whole body, the lungs not excepted. At the extremity of the divisions of the aorta, as well as the pulmonary artery, are found capillary vessels. This curious net-work of vessels connects with the minute veins of the body, which return the blood to the heart.

_Observation._ The function of the veins of the systemic circulation is similar to the office of the arteries in the lungs, and that the veins of the pulmonic circulation transmit to the heart the pure, or nutrient blood, and thus supply the arteries of the general system with a.s.similating fluid.

What is the effect when the blood is not changed in the lungs? 356.

Describe the circulation of the blood from the left auricle to the general system. What part of the circulatory organs is most liable to disease? What is the effect when the valves are diseased? 357. Give the difference in the functions of the pulmonary artery and aorta.

Show the relation between the functions of the arteries and veins both of the pulmonic and systemic circulation.

358. The veins that receive the blood from all parts of the body, follow nearly the same course as the arteries. The myriads of these small vessels beneath the skin, and others that accompany the arteries, at last unite and form two large trunks, called _vena cava as-cendens_, and _de-scendens_.

_Observation._ A peculiarity is presented in the veins which come from the stomach, spleen, pancreas, and intestines. After forming a large trunk, they enter the liver, and ramify like the arteries, and in this organ they again unite into a trunk, and enter the ascending vein, or cava, near the heart. This is called the portal circulation.

359. The ventricles of the heart contract, or the ”pulse” beats, about seventy-five times every minute; in adults; in infants, more than a hundred times every minute; in old persons, less than seventy-five times every minute. The energy of the contraction of this organ varies in different individuals of the same age. It is likewise modified by the health and tone of the system. It is difficult to estimate the muscular power of the heart; but, comparing it with other muscles, and judging from the force with which blood is ejected from a severed artery, it must be very great.

_Observation._ The phenomenon known under the name of pulse, is the motion caused by the pressure of the blood against the coats of the arteries at each contraction of the ventricles.

360. The following experiment will demonstrate that the blood flows from the heart. Apply the fingers upon the artery at the wrist, at two different points, about two inches apart; if the pressure be moderately made, the ”pulse” will be felt at both points. Let the point nearest the heart be pressed firmly, and there will be no pulsation at the lower point; but make strong pressure upon the lower point only, and the pulsation will continue at the upper point, proving that the blood flows from the heart, in the arteries, to different parts of the system.

358. What is the course of the veins? What peculiarity is observable in the veins of the liver? 359. How often does the heart contract, or the pulse beat, in adults? In infants? In old persons? What is said of the energy of its contraction in different persons? How is the pulse produced? 360. Demonstrate by experiment that the blood flows from the heart.

361. There are several influences, either separately or combined that propel the blood from the heart through the arteries, among which may be named,--1st. The contraction of the muscular walls of the heart.

2d. The contractile and elastic middle coat of the arteries aids the heart in impelling the blood to the minute vessels of the system. 3d.

The peculiar action of the minute capillary vessels is considered, by some physiologists, as a motive power in the arterial circulation.

4th. The pressure of the muscles upon the arteries, when in a state of contraction, is a powerful agent, particularly when they are in active exercise.

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