MOVEMENTS OF THE INTESTINES 729 



line with the rest of the muscular coat, as concerns its reaction to stimuli 

 arising in the gut above or below, it presents a marked contrast to the rest of 

 the gut in its relation to the central nervous system. It is unaffected by 

 stimulation of the vagus. Stimulation of the splanchnic, however, which 



FIG. 346. Effect of stimulation of right vagus on intestinal contractions. 



FIG. 347. Excitation of both splanchnic nerves. Balloon method. Intestine 

 returned to abdomen. 



causes complete relaxation of the lower part of the ileum with the rest of the 

 small intestine, produces a strong contraction of the muscle-fibres forming the 

 ileocolic sphincter (Elliott). 



MOVEMENTS OF THE LARGE INTESTINE 



By means of the occasional peristaltic contractions, accompanied by 

 relaxation of the ileocolic sphincter, the contents of the small intestine 

 are gradually transferred into the large. In man these contents are con- 

 siderable in bulk, are semi-fluid, and probably fill the ascending as well as the 

 transverse colon. 



