370 ABSORPTION 



On the other hand, oily substances come in more intimate contact with 

 the skin and penetrate deeper and more readily. Therefore lotions con- 

 taining medicines are occasionally applied to the skin, and slow but gradual 

 absorption occurs. The volatile oils penetrate the skin readily. 



The epithelial lining of the lungs seems peculiarly adapted to the quick 

 absorption of all gases and volatile substances. This is illustrated by the 

 rapidity with which anesthesia may be accomplished by breathing the vapors 

 of ether or chloroform. 



Solutions injected into or otherwise brought into contact with the sub- 

 dermal connective tissue, the body of a muscle, or the peritoneal or thoracic 

 cavity, very quickly pass into the general circulation. They are practically 

 injected into the lymphatic intercellular spaces in these instances and, of 

 course, are very readily carried through the lymphatic vessels, figures 280 and 

 282, to the thoracic duct and into the blood. -Comparing the rapidity of ab- 

 sorption in the cases mentioned, that from the muscle is most rapid, a fact 

 of medical importance in the use of the hypodermic needle for the giving 

 of medicines in emergency. 



