LIVER 



211 



larger vessels gently pressed out. The graph given in chart 34 

 and the values in table 145 were determined by formula (18). 



No sex difference in the weight of the liver has been noted 

 but the graph is given for the males only. Considerable vari- 

 ability is to be expected in the weight of an organ with such com- 

 plex functions as those of the liver and this appears. A heavy 



50 



100 



150 



200 



250 



300 



350 



400 



450 



Chart 34 Showing the weight of liver of the male albino rat according to 

 body weight. The observed weights are represented by 136 male rats. Table 

 145, formula (18). 



Observed weight. 



Calculated weight. 



liver usually accompanies a heavy spleen (Hatai). Hatai ('13); 

 Jackson ('13). 



The liver should be removed as soon as possible after killing 

 as it tends to gain weight by the absorption of blood. Further, 

 the animal should have had no food for the previous 12-20 hours 

 hours as the liver tends to enlarge during digestion (Rous and 

 McMaster, '24). 



