CHAPTER X 



HIDDEN PROCESSES AND ULTIMATE PHENO- 

 MENA OF NUTRITION 



76. THERE are not a few processes occurring 

 in the body which are so hidden as not to be 

 at all evident to a superficial examination ; 

 and yet they are of the highest importance. 

 Several examples of these may now be referred 

 to. First, we will consider what is usually 

 called the glycogenic function of the liver. 

 This organ, the largest gland-like structure in 

 the body, consists of myriads of cells, the 

 hepatic cells, and it is more richly supplied 

 with capillary blood vessels than any other 

 structure in the body. It receives two kinds 

 of blood, red arterial blood from the systemic 

 circulation by the hepatic artery, and blood 

 more like venous blood, often laden with 

 matters derived from the alimentary canal 

 portal blood by the portal vein. The blood, 



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