8. =Of the Heart.=--Penetrating wounds are fatal from haemorrhage, of the
base more speedily than of the apex; but life may be prolonged for some
time even after a severe wound to the heart. Injury to the right
ventricle is the most fatal injury and the most frequent. Rupture from
disease usually occurs in the left ventricle; rupture from a crush is
usually towards the base and on the right side.
9. =Of the Aorta and Pulmonary Artery.=--Fatal.
10. =Of the Diaphragm.=--Generally fatal, owing to the severe injury of
the other abdominal organs. If the diaphragm be ruptured, hernia of the
organs may result.
11. =Of the Abdomen.=--Of the walls, may be dangerous from division of
the epigastric artery; ventral hernia may follow, internal haemorrhage,
etc. Blows on the abdomen are prone to cause death from cardiac
inhibition.
12. =Of the Liver.=--May divide the large vessels. Venous blood flows
profusely from a punctured wound of the liver. Wounds of the
gall-bladder cause effusion of bile and peritoneal inflammation.
Laceration of the liver may result from external violence without
leaving any outward sign of the injury; it is commonly fatal.
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