I 5 6 



OUR BODIES AND HOW WE LIVE 



through the liver, it takes only a moment or two for it to 

 get into the main blood stream. 



A glass of strong drink soon "goes to the head," as 

 many people know, showing that its effects are rapidly 

 produced in the cells of the brain. The rapidity of this 

 absorption depends upon the kind of 

 liquor and whether the stomach is empty 

 or full. 



215. The Effect of Alcohol upon the 

 Blood Vessels. The effect of alcohol on 

 the circulation is shown by its action 

 on the nervous system. The muscular 

 walls of the arteries are made larger or 

 smaller by means of tiny nerves which 

 regulate their size. 



Even a moderate amount of alcohol 

 disorders or paralyzes for a time the 

 action of those nerves which control 

 the blood vessels. The muscular fibers 

 of the arteries are relaxed, the blood 

 distends them, and the skin appears 

 redder and seems warmer than before 

 the alcohol was taken. This feeling 

 of warmth is due to the heat that is 

 FIG. 97 . The Femora] forced to the surface of the body by the 

 Leg " blood. This also explains the flushed 

 face and warm glow which so often mark the appearance 

 of moderate drinkers. 



216. Further Effect of Alcohol upon the Blood Vessels. 

 Under the influence of alcohol, the walls of the blood ves- 

 sels, especially the capillaries, after a time become perma- 

 nently dilated. This chronic enlargement of the arterial 



