70 PHYSIOLOGY. 



But this mechanism for widening the channel leading to 

 the working organs, while the arteries to the other organs 

 are made smaller, or at least are not enlarged, solves the 

 problem of supplying each part according to a greatly 

 varying need, while not sending too much to a part not 

 needing it. 



EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL ON THE CIRCULATION. 



The continued use of alcoholic liquors frequently causes 

 what is known as " fatty degeneration " of the heart. 

 The muscle cells are more or less replaced by fatty tissue, 

 thus greatly weakening the heart. Experiments show 

 that the first effect of alcohol on the heart is to weaken 

 the force of the beat, though the rate is usually quickened. 

 This indicates a deadening effect, such as is often seen in 

 disease. Frequently the approach of death is indicated 

 by a quickened but enfeebled heart-beat. 



"The warm and flushed condition of the skin which 

 follows the drinking of alcoholic fluids is probably, in a 

 similar manner, the result of an inhibition of that part 

 of the vaso-motor center which governs the cutaneous 

 arteries." FOSTER. 



The control of the muscles in the walls of the arteries 

 being thus interfered with, the circular muscles are no 

 longer made to shorten, and the artery dilates, thus allow- 

 ing more blood to flow into it. 



We may thus account for the flushing of the skin of the 

 face, which in many individuals quickly betrays indulgence 

 in alcoholic drink. If this flushing is too often repeated, 

 the arteries gradually "lose tone," and the condition be- 

 comes permanent. The circulation in the whites of the 

 eyes may be affected, making them "bloodshot." 



