108 HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY. 



region which move peristaltically towards the pylorus. As diges- 

 tion proceeds these constrictions or contractions become more fre- 

 quent and more vigorous. The result is a trituration and liquefaction 

 of the food. So soon as it is liquefied the pylorus relaxes and per- 

 mits of its discharge into the intestine. The pylorus then closes 

 and further preparation of food goes on. From time to time the 

 pylorus relaxes to permit the discharge of prepared and liquefied 

 food until digestion is completed. In the cardiac region there is an 

 absence of peristalsis though the muscle wall is in a state of active 

 tone. The fundus acts as a reservoir for food and delivers its con- 

 tents to the pyloric region as rapidly as it is ready to receive them. 



TABLE SHOWING DIGESTIBILITY OF VARIOUS ARTICLES OF FOOD. 



Hours. Minutes. 



Eggs, whipped . . . . i 20 



" soft-boiled 3 



4< hard-boiled 3 30 



Oysters, raw 2 55 



" stewed 3 30 



Lamb, broiled 2 30 



Veal, " 4 



Pork, roasted 5 15 



Beefsteak, broiled 3 



Turkey, roasted 2 25 



Chicken, boiled 4 



" fricasseed 2 45 



Duck, roasted . 4 



Soup, barley, boiled i 30 



" bean, " 3 



" chicken, ' 3 



mutton, 3 30 



Liver, beef, broiled 2 



Sausage 3 2 



Green corn, boiled 3 45 



Beans, " 2 30 



Potatoes, roasted 2 30 



" boiled 3 3 



Cabbage, " 4 30 



Turnips, Z 3 



Beets, " 3 45 



Parsnips, " 2 30 



