Abstract
The decreased distensibility of fingers immersed in ice water has been ascribed to increased venomotor tone(l). However, Edwards and Burton(2) found that there is an increase in volume of fingers immersed in ice water and have suggested that reduction in distensibility may be due to increased venous filling. In an attempt to determine the interrelationships between finger volume, digital distensibility, blood flow and venous pressure, studies have been made at different local and environmental temperatures.Methods. The experiments were performed on 2 subjects with bath temperatures (Tw) at 5, 9.5, 20 and 38.5†C and room temperature (Tr) of 12, 20 and 28†C. The subjects lay on a cot with the right hand placed in a 27 1 water tank. The tank was raised so that when the hand was in position the tips of the fingers were about 15 cm above heart level.Changes in finger volume were determined by a mercury-in-rubber strain gauge (3,4) compensated for temperature changes (5). The strain gauge was applied to the tip...
Published Version
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