120 HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY 



The second (thoracico-lumbar) division comprises 

 all the autonomic paths leading from the spinal cord 

 excepting a small group at its lower end. They serve 

 to promote the contraction of most of the blood-vessels, 

 are capable of suspending the activity of the alimentary 

 canal, cause secretion of sweat, erection of the hairs 

 (or goose-flesh in the human subject), dilation of the 

 pupil, and a special activity of the adrenal bodies to be 

 referred to elsewhere. They accelerate the heart. 

 In the case of this organ, the alimentary tract, and the 

 iris they definitely oppose the cranial autonomic. 



The small group of paths remaining below (sacral 

 autonomic) play upon the rectum, bladder, and re- 

 productive organs. 



Many functions of the lower parts of the brain which 

 have been only hinted at in this chapter will receive 

 more attention later. It remains in the present treat- 

 ment of the nervous system to consider the significance 

 of the cerebrum. 



