impaired digestion are the symptoms which are manifest in a gravel-patient. A gravel {Sarkara) obstructed at the mouth of the urinary channel is detected by the following indications:—viz., weakness, lassitude, emaciation, cachectic condition of the body, pain over the hepatic region (Kukshi-sula), a non-relish for food, sallowness of complexion, hot and high coloured urine, thirst, pressing pain at the cardiac region and vomiting. 13.
The bladder is situated in the pelvic cavity, surrounded on its different sides by the back, loin (Kati), umbilicus, scrotum, rectum (Guda), groins and penis. This organ is provided with a single aperture or opening and lies with its mouth downward, covered with nets of nerves (Sira) and ligaments (Snayu), in the shape of a gourd. The organ is extremely thin in structure; and thus situated within the pelvic cavity, it is connected, through its mouth or external orifice, with the rectum, the penis, and the testes. It is also known by the name of Maladhara (the receptacle of impure matter) and forms (one of) the primaiy seats of vital energy (Prana)*[1]. The urinary ducts (ureters) pass close by the large intestines (Pakvasaya) and constantly replenish the bladder and keep it moist with that waste product of the system in the same manner as rivers carry their contributions of water into the ocean. These passages or ducts (which are two) are found to take their origin from hundreds of branches (or mouths tubuli uriniferi), which are not visible to the naked eyes, on account of their extremely attenuated structures and carry, whether in a state of sleep or wakening, the urine from below the region of the
- ↑ *The text has Pranayatanam, which means that an injury to the urinary bladder may be attended with fatal result.
