204 APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY 



induces a temporary cessation of the breathing move- 

 ments. 



Irritation of the splanchnic also seems to induce an 

 arrest of respiration, as is familiar to anyone who has 

 been ' winded ' by a blow on the upper part of the 

 abdomen. This mechanism seems to be brought into 

 play in lessening the diaphragmatic movements in painful 

 affections of the viscera in the upper part of the abdomen. 

 Further, all sensory nerves appear to be able to influence 

 the centre. This reflex action, indeed, is perhaps the 

 first we make use of on entering the world, for our first 

 breath is, in part at least, brought about by the action 

 of cold air on the skin of the trunk, and if it is at all 

 delayed the accoucheur puts the reflex into more power- 

 ful action by dashing cold water on the chest and 

 abdomen. 



Similar methods of reflexly stimulating the respiratory 

 centre through sensory nerves are constantly used in 

 disease. In collapse of the lung in young children, for 

 instance, frequent and vigorous * spanking ' is constantly 

 resorted to in order to induce re-expansion of the alveoli 

 by the deep breaths which crying necessitates. In cases 

 of narcotic poisoning, too, the respiratory centre is kept 

 awake by flicking the patient with wet towels or applying 

 a strong faradic current to the skin. 



None of the vital centres, in fact, is more intimately 

 in touch with the whole body than that which presides 

 over respiration. Nor need this cause surprise when 

 one remembers how important it is that our breathing 

 should be able to respond at once to the most varying 

 demands for oxygen which the emergencies of life call 



