THE LIVER. 



585 



hepatic veins, may all lead to a chronic hyperseniia of the liver. In such 

 cases, since the congestion affects principally the hepatic veins, we find 



FIG. 353,-CHRONic CONGESTION OF THE LIVER " NUTMEG LIVER." 



The liver cells are completely atrophied except in the peripheries of the lobules. The central portion* 

 of the lobules which in the fresh organ are darker than the periphery are lighter in the preserved specimen, 

 from which this section was cut because the haemoglobin has been dissolved out of the red blood cells. 



tBe centre of each acinus congested and red while its periphery is lighter 

 in color. This gives to the liver a mottled or nutmeg appearance (nut- 

 meg liver} (Fig. 353). The liver cells in the centre of each acinus are 

 frequently colored by little granules of red or black pigment, and the 



FIG. 354. CHRONIC CONGESTION OF THE LIVER. 



Showing a single lobule. The capillaries about the central vein are widely distended with blood de- 

 colorized ; the liver cells on the borders nearest the dilated capillaries show various phases of pressure 

 atrophy. 



