THE SECRETING GLANDS 305 



gland by operation gives rise to a similar condition, 

 called cachexia strumipriva ; an increase in the secretion 

 from the thyroid gland causes a condition characterized 

 by protrusion of the eye-balls the patient's expression 

 is staring and frightened palpitation of the heart 

 and enlargement of the gland, termed exophthalmic 

 goitre or Graves' disease. An enlargement of the 

 thyroid gland, which is gradually progressive, can 

 be seen in the necks of people living in or coming 

 from certain localities where the diseased condition 

 is due to the drinking water containing lime; this is 

 termed ordinary goitre. 



The Parathyroid Glands. These are small, reddish- 

 brown bodies, composed of masses of cells, arranged 

 in a more or less reticular manner with numerous 

 intervening bloodvessels. They are usually found 

 one on either side (the superior) at the level of the 

 lower border of the cricoid cartilage, behind the 

 junction of the pharynx and esophagus, and in front 

 of the pre vertebral fascia. The lower are just below 

 the lower edge of the lateral lobe one on either side. 

 There are usually four, but may be only three, or again, 

 as many as six or eight. Their location is variable. 



The functions of the parathyroids have not been 

 sufficiently established to warrant a description 

 within these pages. However, their removal from 

 animals has given rise to tetany, characterized by 

 spasmodic contractions and paralyses of certain 

 groups of muscles, convulsive seizures, and death. 



Spleen. The spleen is the largest of the ductless 

 glands. It is found in the left hypochondrium, entirely 

 surrounded by peritoneum, except around the hilum, 

 which attaches it to the fundus of the stomach (the 

 gastrosplenic omentum). It is purplish in color, 

 oblong, flattened, tetrahedral form, soft, of a very 

 friable consistency, and highly vascular. It measures 

 5 inches in length, 2 to 3 inches in width, and 1 to 1J 

 inches in thickness at the centre. It weighs 6J ounces, 

 20 



