28o 



Inflammation. 



bacteria arc usually found in comparatively large numbers in the pus 

 serum and sometimes the leucocytes are loaded with them. Accord- 

 ing to the manner of commencement of the process a single variety 

 may be found present as a perfectly pure culture, or there may be a 

 number of forms associated together. As occasionally occurs in 

 chronic cases, if no microorganisms can be discovered it may be 

 assumed that the bacteria have gradually died in the pus and have 

 undergone disintegration. If the suppuration occurs on the surface 

 of a mucous membrane it is spoken of as a purulent catarrh, 



^H 







^^ 



^i. 



ii;'t 





>' 



Fig. 57. 

 I'ilni preparation of pus cells, stained with fuclisin (liighly magnified). 



pyorrha-a, or blciiorrha'a {^Xiuvn, mucus; pew, to flow). In such 

 cases the blood vessels of the mucosa and submucosa are found 

 dilated, containing large numbers of leucocytes, and the latter cells 

 profusely accumulated in the meshes of the whole mucous mem- 

 brane and penetrating between the epithelial cells of the surface. 

 The epithelium is loosened, often hanging loosely in shreds. In 

 addition the formation of Jiiucus is increased, and many epithelial 

 cells may be found transformed into goblet cells. 



This viscid secretion, mixed with desquamated epithelium and 



