174 ANSWERS TO PRACTICAL QUESTIONS 



46. What Jceeps the blood in circulation between the 

 beats of the heart ? 



The blood starts with a rush from the heart by the force 

 of its action ; the expansion and contraction of the arteries, 

 into which it is thus powerfully propelled, impart a steady on- 

 ward pressure, which sends it to the capillaries ; there the proc- 

 esses of oxidation, nutrition, and secretion draw the current on- 

 ward, and push it out toward the veins ; thence it is forced back 

 to the heart by the power originated in the capillaries. (See 

 Draper's Human Physiology, large edition, p. 145.) 



47. Wliat is the office of the capillaries ? 



(See Physiology, p. 373, note.) 



48. Does alcohol interfere with this function ? 



(See Physiology, p. 117, note.) 



Alcohol sometimes causes the red corpuscles to adhere in 

 masses, which obstruct their passage through the tiny capillary 

 tubes. 



49. How does alcohol interfere with the regular office 

 of the membranes ? 



(See Physiology, p. 143.) 



It absorbs their moisture, and causes them to become dry, 

 hard, and thick. 



50. IIoiv does it chech the j)rocess of oxidation ? 



(See Physiology, pp. 145, 146.) 



By its effect upon the red blood-corpuscles, destroying their 

 efficiency as oxygen-carriers. 



! &71. How do clothing and shelter economise food ? 



The force which would be converted into heat to preserve 

 the temperature of the body, is saved. The food needed to 

 supply this amount of force may be reserved or changed into 

 flesh, or into other forms of force. 



2. Is it well to taJce a long walk before breaJcfast ? 



(See Physiology, p. 41.) 

 A vigorous person in good health and in a healthy region 



