200 MICROBES AND HEALTH. 



Hiccough. 



The diaphragm is a thin membrane which divides 

 the chest from the abdominal cavity, and aids in respir- 

 ation, rising and falling with each breath. The stom- 

 ach is placed just beneath the diaphragm. The dia- 

 phragm passes obliquely backward and downward, hence 

 it is not only above but partially behind the stomach. 



During indigestion the stomach may become very ir- 

 ritable and sensitive. The constipation which follows 

 causes bloating and pressure and this increases the 

 trouble. The stomach is forced upwards and irritates 

 the diaphragm. 



The solar plexus is a large collection of nerves situ- 

 ated just behind the stomach. Irritation may be com- 

 municated through this bundle of nerves, as it receives 

 branches from both the stomach and diaphragm. Any 

 condition which stimulates the diaphragm may result 

 in hiccough, as the mechanism of its production rests 

 upon the contraction of the diaphragm downward. 

 This is so sudden that it causes a vacuum in the chest. 

 The outside air now attempts to rush into the lungs, 

 but is prevented by the sudden closure of the glottis, 

 the space between the vocal cords through which the air 

 passes. This produces the peculiar sound known as 

 hiccough. 



Why does the glottis close at this time more than 

 during ordinary breathing? Because the spasmodic 

 action of the diaphragm against the stomach causes 

 spasm of this organ also, and the same nerve which 

 supplies the stomach supplies the vocal cords, hence 



