268 ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY 



been founded upon this association, presupposing that it produces 

 an internal secretion which regulates the growth of bones. It also 

 increases the force of cardiac action and general blood pressure. 

 It is found to stimulate the contraction of unstriped muscle fiber, 

 as in the uterus, and has been used for that purpose. Its influence 

 upon metabolism is still under investigation. Its removal is fol- 

 lowed by atrophy of the generative organs. 



Clinical note. Hypertrophy or tumor of the pituitary body 

 or hypophysis causes blindness by pressure upon optic nerve fibers. 



The carotid bodies are placed behind the common carotid artery just at 

 the point where it bifurcates. Use unknown. The para-sympathetic bodies 

 one to four in number, lie in front of the third and fourth lumbar vertebrae. 

 Use unknown. The coccygeal body lies in front of the lowest part of the 

 coccyx. Use unknown. 



