MOVEMENTS OF THE INTESTINES 



375 



The gas contained in the stomach and bowels is from air swallowed with 

 either food or saliva, gases developed by the decomposition of foods, or of the 

 secretions and excretions thrown into the intestines. The decomposition of 



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FIG. 277. Diagram Illustrating the Segmentation of the Food in the Small Intestine. 



(Cannon.) 



foods is the chief source. The following table, compiled by Brinton, is a col- 

 lection of analyses that have been made and is chiefly valuable as showing the 

 kinds of gases present. 



GASES FOUND IN THE ALIMENTARY CANAL. 



The amounts of the gases vary with the diet. 



An analysis of the intestinal gases by Ruge in man is as follows: 



Gases 



Milk diet i Meat diet Vegetable diet 



MOVEMENTS OF THE INTESTINES. 



The muscular activity of the intestines accomplishes two important func- 

 tions; i.e., it thoroughly mixes the digesting food and secretions and it carries 



