DIGESTION. 



97 



I have found that albumoses and peptones increase peristalsis. This 

 has been confirmed by Roger. Atropin increases the peristaltic 

 movements, probably by an action on the post-ganglionic fibers. 

 Langley believes that nicotine and curare, in intestinal peristalsis, 

 act on a substance intervening between the nerve-ends and the 

 muscle, a myoneural substance. 



\ 



Fig. 24. The Pancreas. (Posterior View.) (BOURGERY.) 



1, Duodenum. 2, Duct, choledicus. 3, Duct of Wirsung. 5, Union of the two 

 ducts. 7, Accessory duct. 



The distension of the abdomen, in many diseases of this region, 

 is probably due to a reflex inhibition by the way of the splanchnic 

 nerve, which has power over the tonus of the caliber of the intes- 

 tine. 



Salines are supposed to act as aperients "by their presence in the 

 blood, causing an increased secretion to be poured out by the blood- 

 vessels into the intestinal canal. The theory of endosmosis has been 

 abandoned. 



