  In the continuation of a preceding work, we derive a new expression for the
metric in the near zone of an isolated matter system in post-Newtonian
approximations of general relativity. The post-Newtonian metric, a solution of
the field equations in harmonic coordinates, is formally valid up to any order,
and is cast in the form of a particular solution of the wave equation, plus a
specific homogeneous solution which ensures the asymptotic matching to the
multipolar expansion of the gravitational field in the exterior of the system.
The new form provides some insights on the structure of the post-Newtonian
expansion in general relativity and the gravitational radiation reaction terms
therein.
