OBSERVATION UPON THE BLOOD FLOW THROUGH SKELETAL MUSCLE BY THE USE OF THE HOT WIRE ANEMOMETER

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Abstract
The alterations in the flow of blood to and from skeletal muscles which were caused by stimulation of the motor nerve have been determined by the use of the hot wire anemometer [on the hind legs of the frog and the gastrocnemius of the dog]. Muscular contraction produced by a single stimulus produces a momentary diminution in arterial inflow and increase in venous outflow. Tetanic contraction is asso- ciated with a decrease in arterial inflow as long as the muscle remains contracted and an initial increase in outflow followed by an almost complete cessation of flow. Relaxation of the muscle is followed by a greater flow than existed before the stimulation. If the muscle is stimulated until fatigued, there is an increase in both arterial inflow and venous outflow. Division of the nerve to a muscle greatly increases the flow of blood through it. If sufficiently heavy weights are suspended from the tendon of a muscle, the flow of blood through the muscle almost completely stops. The flow increases when the weights are lifted. Although the vasomotor nerves are responsible for a small part of the alterations in flow produced by stimulation of the nerves to muscles, the major effects are due to the mechanical shortening and lengthening of the muscle fibers. The effects of contraction upon the flow of blood are similar in cardiac and skeletal muscles.

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