520 



THE EXCRETION OF URINE 



there is no increase in the oxygen absorption under the above conditions 

 (Pearce and Carter 13 ). In the light of the modern theory this vagal diure- 

 sis would be interpreted as due to an inhibition of the absorption in the 

 tubules rather than an augmentation in the actual excretion of urine. 



There is no doubt that the renal nerves profoundly affect the excretion 

 of urine, but that they do so directly is very improbable, since perfectly 



Si 



Fig. 173. Nerve supply of the kidney. K, kidney; Si, S- 2 , major and minor splanchnic nerves; V, 

 vagus; C.G., Celiac ganglion; A, aorta. (From Cushny.) 



adequate renal function can be maintained in animals that have had the 

 kidneys entirely removed and then replaced. There are numerous re- 

 flexes that affect the rate of urine excretion by constriction of the renal 

 vessels. Injury to the bladder or ureter, abdominal injuries to the kid- 

 ney, or even cold applied to the skin, may result in incomplete suppres- 

 sion of the urine. 



