Part 69

This system outlives, if we may so say, the preceding.—Phenomenon resulting from its weakness. 62

MUCOUS SYSTEM.

ARTICLE FIRST.

OF THE DIVISIONS AND FORMS OF THE MUCOUS SYSTEM.

I. Of the two general Mucous Membranes, the Gastro-pulmonary and the Genito-urinary.

Difference of these two membranes.—Their relation. 66

II. Adhering Surface of the Mucous Membranes.

Its relations.—It is everywhere subjacent to the muscles.—Sub-mucous texture.—Experiments. 69

III. Free surface of the Mucous Membranes.

Of the folds it exhibits.—1st. Of those which comprehend all the membranes.—2d. Of those which are permanent upon the mucous surface.—3d. Of those which are owing to a state of vacuity of the hollow organs.—Different experiments.—The extent of the mucous surfaces is always nearly the same, whatever may be the state of their organs.—Relation of their free surface with external bodies.—Their sensibility is accommodated to this relation.—The term foreign body is merely comparative. 70

ARTICLE SECOND.

ORGANIZATION OF THE MUCOUS SYSTEM.

I. Texture peculiar to this Organization.

What it presents for consideration.

Mucous Corion.—Its variable thickness.—Mucous nature of the membrane of the ear.—Pathological consequences.—Softness of the mucous texture.—Action of the air, water, caloric, the acids and the digestive juices upon the mucous texture. 76

Mucous papillæ.—Their varieties of form.—Their nervous nature.—Proofs of this nervous nature.—Their influence upon the sensibility of the mucous organs. 83

II. Common Parts.

Of the mucous glands and the fluids which they secrete.—Situation.—Forms.—Size.—Texture. 86

Mucous fluids.—Physical properties.—Action of different agents upon them.—Their functions.—Parts in which they are most abundant and those in which they are less so.—Susceptibility of being increased by any irritation made upon their excretories.—Consequences.—Remarks upon the excitement of the mucous surfaces in diseases.—Uses of the mucous membranes in relation to the habitual evacuation of their fluids.—General remarks upon the secreted fluids.—Singular sensation arising from the continuance of the mucous fluids upon their respective surfaces. 88

Blood vessels.—Their varieties of proportion.—Their superficial position.—Consequence.—Redness of the mucous system.—It often loses it.—Experiments upon the state of the mucous vessels in the fulness and vacuity of their hollow organs.—Other experiments upon the influence of the gases upon the colour of the mucous system.—Causes of its redness.—Colouring substance combined and free. 96

Exhalants.—Is there exhalation upon the mucous system?—Pulmonary exhalation.—A great part of the pulmonary perspiration arises from the solution of the mucous juices.—Other mucous exhalations.—Hemorrhages. 105

Absorbents.—Proofs of the mucous absorption.—Irregularity of this absorption.—Cause of this irregularity. 107

Nerves.—Those of the brain.—Those of the ganglions.—Their respective distribution upon this system. 108

ARTICLE THIRD.

PROPERTIES OF THE MUCOUS SYSTEM.

I. Properties of Texture.

They are less than they at first seem to be.—They are however real.—Their variety.—The mucous ducts are not obliterated by the contractility of texture when they are empty. 109

II. Vital properties.