282 



MTJSCLES 



can best understand this by comparing the results with 

 what takes place in an ordinary steam engine. The com- 

 parison of the methods of energy production in the two 

 cases are shown in the following table. 

 The first step in the production of energy is combustion. 



TABLE OF COMPARISON OF STEAM ENGINE AND 

 MUSCLE CELL. 



Conditions Necessary to Combustion in — 



Tlie steam Engine 



The Muscle Cell 



The presence of a combus- 

 tible chemical compound, 

 i.e., one which can combine 

 chemically with oxygen 

 (Fuel). Coal, wood, or 

 other carbon containing 

 matter. 



Some initial impulse (kind- 

 ling) necessary to start 

 rapid oxidation or com- 

 bustion. Application of 

 match flame or other kind- 

 ling material. 



There must be present a 

 sufficient supply of oxygen 

 to permit of rapid union 

 with the fuel. Supplied by 

 draughts of various kinds. 



1. The presence of a combus- 



^tible chemical compound, 

 i.e., one which can combine 

 chemically with oxygen 

 (Fuel). The carbon com- 

 pounds, glycogen, sugar, 

 proteid. 



2. Some initial impulse neces- 



sary to start oxidation 

 (kindling). The nervous 

 impulse received by the cell 

 substance. 



3. There must be present a 

 sufficient amount of oxygen 

 to permit of rapid union 

 with the fuel. Supply se- 

 cured from the red cor- 

 puscles of the blood and 

 from reserve supply stored 

 in cells. 



