IX 



HYGIENE OF DIGESTION AND ABSORPTION 



The foods remain in the small intestine for about 

 twelve hours and undergo very important chemical 

 changes. If the foods have not been properly prepared 

 for the action of the intestinal fluids, neither digestion 

 nor absorption is carried on as it should be, and 

 the foods will not serve their purpose. The causes of 

 dyspepsia, together with insufficient clothing to keep the 

 abdomen warm, and neglect to empty the large intestine 

 at least once a day, are among the most frequent causes 

 of intestinal indigestion. Mental and physical over- 

 work always derange the stomach and the intestines. 



If, for any reason, the functions of the liver are 

 impaired, digestion and absorption will be' disturbed, 

 and all the tissues of the 

 body will suffer. The causes 

 of jaundice and other liver 

 troubles are numerous and 

 of a rather complicated na- 

 ture, but by keeping the 

 body in good health it is not 

 likely that ..this organ will 

 become diseased. Unwhole- 

 some foods, alcoholic bever- 

 ages, and constipation are 

 generally connected with 

 liver troubles. 



At the lower end of the caecum there is a small organ 

 about two and one half inches long known as the vermi- 

 form appendix. As far as known it serves no purpose 

 in man. It is a dangerous little organ because it is the 



SffAe. 



FIG. 59. Showing the appendix. 

 (Drawn by Mater.) 



