.456 



PHYSIOLOGY. 



of the bladder as well, for we see that the acidity of the urine con- 

 tinues to increase from the time of emission. 



The process of acid fermentation is finally accompanied with 

 development of a mycelium whose spore is smaller than that of a 

 torula. It appears that with the initiation of this process the urine 

 absorbs oxygen much more actively (Pasteur). 



The urine is also subject to an alkaline fermentation due to an 

 enzyme, urease, of the micrococcus urea?. It generally follows the 

 acid fermentation, but may occur without it, in the bladder as well 

 as outside. The urine, after prolonged exposure, especially in a 

 warm atmosphere, has been found to become neutral and then grad- 



Fig. 174. Crystals of Ammonio-magnesium Phosphate. (After 

 ULTZMANN. ) 



1, Crystals in rosette shape. 2, Crystals in coffin-lid shape. 



ually alkaline. This fermentation is accompanied with decomposi- 

 tion of the urea into ammonium carbonate, by which the urine is 

 strongly darkened and becomes alkaline and of a strong, putrid, 

 ammonical odor. 



In disease of the urinary apparatus, and especially in vesical 

 inflammation and catarrhs, the process of ammoniacal fermentation 

 is already advanced in the urine at the time of its passage. In this 

 case, epithelial mucus and purulent elements aid in making it turbid. 



On the basis of the preponderance of one group of combinations 

 over another, they are divided into uric, oxalic, and phosphoric sedi- 

 ments. 



