THE CIRCULATION OF THE BLOOD 



157 



twigs is often seen in the red-streaked nose, the red or 

 purplish face, and the bloodshot eyes of those who have 

 indulged in strong drink for a long time. 



The continued use of alcoholic beverages may gradually 

 bring about a change in the muscular walls of the arteries. 

 In some cases there is an undue deposit of fat cells and other 

 morbid products. The 

 weakened and stiffened 

 arterial walls now gradu- 

 ally lose their elasticity 

 so that they are less able 

 to do their part in the cir- 

 culation of the blood. At 

 last the walls of the ar- 

 teries become weakened, 

 especially in the arteries 

 of the brain. Owing to 

 some unusual strain of 

 work, or through mental 

 excitement, the walls of 

 the enfeebled blood ves- 

 sels of the brain may 

 burst and cause death 

 from apoplexy. 1 



217. Effect of Alcohol upon the Structure of the Heart. 

 The long-continued use of strong drink may produce 



1 The primary effects of a moderate dose of diluted alcohol, as a glass of 

 whisky and water, on one unaccustomed to it, are to cause dilation of the 

 blood vessels of the skin, indicated by the flushed face, a more rapid beat of 

 the heart, and nervous excitement exhibited by talkativeness. 



Blood containing two and one-half parts to one thousand of absolute 

 alcohol almost invariably diminishes within a minute the work done by the 

 heart. H. NEWELL MARTIN, M.D. 



FIG. 



18. Arteries and their Branches 

 at the Base of the Brain. 



