INTERNAL SECRETION 513 



Stimulation of the nerves in any part of their course gives rise to a 

 diminution in splenic volume; division of the nerves is followed by an increase 

 in the volume. In asphyxia the spleen is small and contracted, a condition 

 attributed to a stimulation of the centers in the medulla by the venosity of 

 the blood. 



The musculature of the spleen may also be excited to contraction by 

 reflex influences, as shown by the fact that stimulation of the central end of a 

 nerve is attended by a diminution of volume. 



Inasmuch as the excised spleen will continue to exhibit variations in 

 volume when perfused with blood, it would appear that it possesses some 

 contractile mechanism independent to some extent of the nerve system. 



