Considerations on the circulation of the blood : with special reference to counter-iritation [i.e. irritation], and to the effect of increased atmospheric pressure / by Andrew H. Smith.

  • Smith, Andrew H. (Andrew Heermance), 1837-1910.
Date:
1872
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Considerations on the circulation of the blood : with special reference to counter-iritation [i.e. irritation], and to the effect of increased atmospheric pressure / by Andrew H. Smith. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

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    MEDICAL JOURNAL: A MONTHLY BECOBD OF MEDICmE MD THE COLLATERAL SCIEl^CES. Vol. XY.] APRIL, 1872. [No. 4. Art. 1.—Considerations on tJie Circulation of the Blood, with Special Reference to Counter-Iritation, and to the Effect of Increased Atmospheric Pressure. By Andeew H. Smitpi, M. D. When we consider the extreme iiitricacv of the vascular ^ystem, its infinite subdivision, and the immense variety ot rrgans with their differing functions which are dependent upon I le supply which it brings to them, and then reflect that the !lood is propelled through this system by the action of one :3ntral organ, any change in which, must affect all parts alike, •/'e must be struck with the fact that each organ or tissue re- ;3ive3 precisely its due share of blood—a supply varying ex- ctly with the varying function of the part, and adapted with bsolute precision to its physiological demands. And we can- ot fail to perceive that the mechanism by which the quantity ;f blood thrown into the aorta with each cardiac systole is thus uly apportioned to all the parts of the organism must be one ;f extreme delicacy. Considering the blood-vessels from an :aatomical stand-point, we find that this regulating power is Dnfined to the arteries and the veins, the capillaries being 'Gstltute of contractile tissue. The arteries, and with some •Kccptions the veins, arc supplied with muscular fibres, and are 22