°!]17-Hr s/ RQ / v.: 1. U 'v ••1 lj. i X Li O ' ' x: \; qv- /' T p, H V Jl i-y. J'. / v. J /. V.X V./t DR. BRUBAKER. BERTS’ of Medicine. EDITION. JUST READY. Recommended as a Text-book at University of Pennsylvania, Long Island College ILospital, Yale and Hazard Colleges, Bishop's College, Montreal, University of Michigan, and over twenty other Medical Schools. A HANDBOOK OF THE THEORY AND PRACTICE OF MEDICINE. By Frederick T. Roberts, m.d., m.r.c.p., Professor of Materia Med- ica and Therapeutics and of Clinical Medicine in University College Hospital; Assistant Physician in Brompton Consumptive Hospital. The Fifth Edition, partially rewritten, and carefully revised throughout. Price, in Cloth, $S.OO; Leather, $6.00, >le, but . Hud- practi- fcapital Adams oughly :lass in 1 shall be put dice oj >o well tant to “ I sha! include it among the text-books of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, and strongly recommend it to my classes.”—Professor John S. Lynch, Baltimore. “ It is unsurpassed by any work that has fallen into our hands, as a compen- dium for students preparing for examination. It is thoroughly practical, and fully up to the times.”—The Clinic. “ Our opinion of it is one of almost unqualified praise. The style is clear, and the amount of useful and, indeed, indispensable information which it con- tains is marvelous. We heartily recommend it to students, teachers, and prac- titioners.”—Boston Medical and Surgical Journal. “ That Dr. Roberts’ book is admirably fitted to supply the want of a good handbook of medicine, so much felt by every medical student, does not admit of a question.”—Students' Journal and Hospital Gazette. ' P. BLAKISTON, SON & CO., Publishers and Booksellers, 1012 WALNUT STREET, PHILADELPHIA. YEO’S Manual of Physiology. 300 ILLUSTRATIONS. FULL. GLOSSARY AND INDEX. By Gerald F. Yeo, m.d., f.r.c.s., Professor of Physiology in King’s College, London. Demi-octavo, 750 pages. Over 300 carefully printed engravings on wood. Bound in Cloth, $4.00; Leather, $8.00. RECOMMENDATIONS “ By his excellent manual Prof. Yeo has supplied a want which must have been felt by every teacher of physiology. In the noble text-book of Prof. Foster, English readers have a work which is unsurpassed, but its great size and comprehensiveness, and its some- what minute discussion of many doubtful points, make it a formidable object to the eyes of the first and second years* students. Dr. Yeo has written a book which is intended for junior students, but which, although written in simple, and as far as possible untechmcal language, is accurate and complete. * * * Moreover, being intended chiefly for medical students, and written by one who is not only an able physiologist, but an accomplished physician, the needs of the physician and surgeon are never lost sight of. * * * I he text is profusely illustrated with excellent wood engravings. * * * In conclusion, we heartily congratulate Prof. Yeo on his work, which we can recommend to all those who wish to find, within a moderate compass, a reliable and pleasantly written exposition of all the essential facts of physiology as the science now stands.”—The Dublin Journal of Medical Science, May, 1884. “ For students’ use it is one of the very best text-books in Physiology.” Prof. L. B. How, Dartmouth Medical College, Hanover, N. H. “The work will take a high rank among the smaller text-books of Physiology.”—Prof H. P. 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Over one hundred pages new matter have been added, and many new illustrations, some of which are very finely engraved and printed. Notwithstanding these new features, the price of the book has been lowered. GILLIAM’S ESSENTIALS OF PATHOLOGY JUST PUBLISHED. The object of this book is to explain to the student, in a plain, practical way, the fundamentals of Pathology, as an introduction to larger books. THE ESSENTIALS OF PATHOLOGY. By D. Tod Gilliam, m.d., Professor of Physiology, Starling Medical College, formerly Professor of General Pathology, Columbus Medical College, Columbus, Ohio. 12mo. 296 pages. 47 Illus- trations. Price, Cloth, $2.00. P. BLAKISTON, SON Sc CO., Publishers and Booksellers. 1012 WALNUT STREET,' PHILADELPHIA.^ HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY. THIRD EDITION. ILLUSTRATED. BRUBAKER. ? QUIZ COMPENDS ? A NEW SERIES OF MANUALS FOR THE USE OF STUDENTS AND PHYSICIANS. Price of each, Cloth, $1.00. Interleaved, for taking Notes, $1.25. 49" These Compends are based on the most popular text-books, and the lectures of prominent professors, and are kept constantly revised, so that they may thoroughly represent the present state of the subjects upon which they treat. 49“ The Authors have had large experience as Quiz Masters and attaches of colleges, and are well acquainted with the wants of students. ■03“ They are arranged in the most approved form, thorough and concise, with illustrations whenever they can be used to advantage. 49“ Can be used by students of any college. 69“ They contain information nowhere else collected in such a condensed, practical shape. 49“ Size is such thatthty maybe easily carried in the pocket, and the price is low. 49“ They will be found very serviceable to physicians as remem- brancers. LIST OF VOLUMES. No. 1. ANATOMY. Third Edition. 63 Illustrations. By Samuel O. L. Potter, m.d., late A. A. Surgeon U. S. Army. No. 2. PRACTICE OF'MEDICINE. Part I. 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Revised and Enlarged. By Orville Horwitz, b.s., m.d., Resident Physician at Pennsylvania Hospital, Phila- delphia. With 62 Illustrations. No. 10. ORGANIC CHEMISTRY. Including Medical Chemistry, Urine Analysis and the Analysis of Water and Food. By Henry Leffmann, m.d., Demonstrator of Chemistry in Jefferson College, Philadelphia. No. 11. PHARMACY. By F. E. Stewart, m.d.,ph.g., Quiz Master in Pharmacy and Chemistry, Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, Lecturer at the Medico Chirurgical College, etc. Others in preparation. Price, each, Cloth, $1.00. Interleaved, for taking Notes, $1.25. P. BLAKISTON, SON & CO., MEDICAL PUBLISHERS AND BOOKSELLERS, 1012 WALNUT ST., PHILADELPHIA. ? QUIZ-COMPENDS. ? No. 4. A COMPEND OF HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY. ESPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE USE OF MEDICAL STUDENTS. BY ALBERT P. BRUBAKER, A.M., M.D., DEMONSTRATOR OF PHYSIOLOGY IN THE JEFFERSON MEDICAL COLLEGE; PROFESSOR OF PHYSIOLOGY, PENNSYLVANIA COLLEGE OF DENTAL SURGERY; MEMBER OF THE PATHOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF PHILADELPHIA. THIRD EDITION, REVISED AND ENLARGED. WITH ILL USTRA TIONS, AND A TABLE OF PHYSIOLOGICAL CONSTANTS.’ :Pfa®fcAij|&TON, SON & CO.,. PHILADELPHIA: Walnut Street. 1886. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1886, by P. BLAKISTON, SON & CO., In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. PRESS OF WM. F. FELL & CO., 1220-24 Sansom street. PREFACE TO SECOND EDITION. This Compend of Physiology is the outgrowth of the author’s system of examinations in the Quiz room during a number of years, and was written at the request of medical students who desired a compact and convenient arrangement of the fundamental facts of human physiology. As most medical students enter upon the study of physiology before they have ac- quired a thorough knowledge of anatomy, it was thought desirable that such anatomical details should also be inserted as would be essential to a'clear conception of the functions about to be studied. It was believed that it would be practically useful to students during their attendance upon lectures and in reviewing the subject prior to examinations. The fact that during the first year after its publication the first edition has been exhausted, proves that it has met the needs of students. In preparing a second edition the author has carefully revised the en- tire work, and inserted some fifteen pages of additional matter, which it is hoped will still further increase the usefulness of the book. To those teachers of physiology who have kindly noticed and recom- mended the Compend to their students I tender my thanks, and trust that in its improved condition it will continue to merit their approval. ALBERT P. BRUBAKER. PREFACE TO THIRD EDITION. A third edition of the Compend having been called for, the author has taken the opportunity to make some alteration to the text, to add some new material, and to insert a number of illustrations, which it is hoped will elucidate the text. 1210 Race Street. A. P. B. February, 1886. TO MY FATHER, HENRY BRUBAKER, A.M., M.D., THIS LITTLE VOLUME IS AFFECTIONATELY INSCRIBED. TABLE OF CONTENTS. PAGE Introduction 9 Chemical Composition of the Body 10 Structural Composition of the Body 15 Food 18 Digestion 23 Absorption 33 Blood 39 Circulation of Blood 45 Respiration 52 Animal Heat 58 Secretion 60 Mammary Glands 63 Vascular or Ductless Glands 65 Excretion ... 66 Kidneys 66 Liver 73 Skin 76 Nervous System 80 Spinal Nerves 82 Properties and Functions of Nerves 84 Cranial Nerves 87 Spinal Cord 101 Medulla Oblongata 109 Pons Varolii 112 Crura Cerebri 113 Corpora Quadrigemina : 114 Corpora Striata and Optic Thalami 114 VII VIII TABLE OF CONTENTS. PAGE Cerebellum 116 Cerebrum 118 Sympathetic Nervous System 123 Sense of Touch 126 Sense of Taste..., 127 Sense of Smell 129 Sense of Sight 130 Sense of Hearing 136 Voice and Speech 141 Reproduction 144 Generative Organs of the Female 144 Generative Organs of the Male 147 Development of Accessory Structures 148 Development of the Embryo 153 Table of Physiological Constants 159 Table showing Relation of Weights and Measures of the Metric System to Approximate Weights and Measures OF THE U. S 162 Index 163 COMPEND OF HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY. Physiology, from
s'
one foot. Work done is estimated by the amount of energy required to
raise a definite weight a definite height, the unit, the foot pound, being
that required to raise one pound one foot. 48
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY.
The heart, therefore, at each systole exerts energy sufficient to raise 3 foot
pounds, and as it contracts 72 times per minute, it would raise in that time 3
X 72 or 216 foot pounds; and in one hour 216 X 60 or 12,960 foot pounds;
and in 24 hours 12,960 X 24 or 311,040 foot pounds or 138.5 foot tons.
Influence of the Nervous System upon the Heart. When the
heart of a frog is removed from the body, it continues to beat for a variable
length of time, depending upon the nature of the conditions surrounding
it. The heart of warm-blooded animals continues to beat but for a very
short time. The cause of the continued pulsations of the frog heart is the
presence of nervous ganglia in its substance. These ganglia have not been
shown to exist in the mammalian heart, but there is reason to believe that
the nervous mechanism is fundamentally the same.
The ganglia of the heart are three in number, one situated at the
opening of the inferior vena cava (the ganglion of Remak), a second
situated in the auriculo-ventricular septum (the ganglion of Bidder), and
a third situated in the inter-auricular septum (the ganglion of Ludwig).
The first two are motor in function and excite the pulsations of the heart;
the third is inhibitory in function and retards the action of the heart. The
actions of these ganglia, though for the most part automatic, are modified
by impressions coming through nerves from the medulla oblongata. When
the inhibitory centre is stimulated by muscarin, the heart is arrested in
diastole; when atropia is applied, the heart recommences to beat, because
atropia paralyzes the inhibitory centre.
The nerves modifying the action of the heart are the Pneumogastric
(Vagus) and the Accelerator nerves.
The Pneumogastric nerve, after emerging from the medulla, receives
motor fibres from the spinal accessory nerve. It then passes downward,
giving off branches, some of which terminate in the inhibitory ganglion.
Stimulation of the vagus by increasing the activity of the inhibitory centre
arrests the heart in diastole with its cavities full of blood; but as the stimu-
lation is only temporary, after a few seconds the heart recommences to
beat; at first the pulsations are weak and feeble, but soon regain their
original vigor. After the administration of atropia in sufficient doses to
destroy the termination of the pneumogastric, stimulation of its trunk has no
effect upon the heart. The inhibitory fibres in the vagus are constantly in
action, for division of the nerve on both sides is always followed by an
increase in the frequency of the heart’s pulsations.
The Accelerator fibres arise in the medulla, pass down the cord, emerge
in the cervical region, pass to the last cervical and first dorsal ganglia of
the sympathetic, and thence to the heart. Stimulation of these fibres ARTERIES.
49
causes an increased frequency of the heart’s pulsations, but they are di-
minished in force.
The Arteries are a series of branching tubes conveying blood to all
portions of the body. They are composed of three coats—
1. External, formed of areolar and elastic tissue.
2. Middle, contains both elastic and muscular fibres, arranged trans-
versely to the long axis of the artery. The elastic tissue is more
abundant in the larger vessels, the muscular in the smaller.
3. Internal, composed of a thin homogeneous membrane, covered with
a layer of elongated endothelial cells.
The arteries possess both elasticity and contractility.
The Property of Elasticity allows the arteries already full to accommo-
date themselves to the incoming amount of blood, and to convert the
intermittent acceleration of blood in the large vessels into a steady and
continuous stream in the capillaries.
The Contractility of the smaller vessels equalizes the current of blood,
regulates the amount going to each part, and promotes the onward flow of
blood.
Blood Pressure. Under the influence of the ventricular systole, the
recoil of the elastic walls of the arteries, and the resistance offered by the
capillaries, the blood is constantly being subjected to a certain amount of
pressure. If a large artery of an animal be divided, and a glass tube of
the same calibre be inserted into its orifice, the blood will rise to a height
of about nine feet; or if it be connected with a mercurial manometer, the
mercury will rise to a height of six inches. This height will be a measure
of the pressure in the vessel. The absolute quantity of mercury sustained
by an artery can be arrived at by multiplying the height of the column by
the area of a transverse section of that artery.
The pressure of the blood is greatest in the large arteries, but gradually
decreases toward the capillaries.
The blood pressure is increased or diminished by influences acting upon
the heart or upon the peripheral resistance of the capillaries, viz.:—
If, while the force of the heart remains the same, the number of pulsa-
tions per minute increases, thus increasing the volume of blood in the
arteries, the pressure rises. If the rate remains the same, but the force
increases, the pressure again rises. Causes that increase the peripheral
resistance by contracting the arterioles, e. g., vaso-motor nerves, cold, etc.,
produce an increase of the pressure.
ARTERIES. 50
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY.
On the other hand, influences which diminish either the volume of the
blood, or the number of pulsations, or the force of the heart, or the peri-
pheral resistance, lower the pressure.
The Pulse is the sudden distention of the artery in a transverse and
longitudinal direction, due to the injection of a volume of blood into the
arteries at the time of the ventricular systole. As the vessels are already
full of blood, they must expand in order to accommodate themselves to the
incoming volume of blood. The blood pressure is thus increased, and the
pressure originating at the ventricle excites a pulse wave, which passes
from the heart toward the capillaries at the rate of about twenty-nine feet
per second. It is this wave that is appreciated by the finger.
The Velocity with which the blood flows in the arteries diminishes
from the heart to the capillaries, owing to an increase of the united sec-
tional area of the vessels, and increases in rapidity from the capillaries
toward the heart. It moves most rapidly in the large vessels, and espe-
cially under the influence of the ventricular systole. From experiments
on animals, it has been estimated to move in the carotid of man at the rate
of sixteen inches per second, and in the large veins at the rate of four
inches per second.
The Calibre of the blood vessels is regulated by the vaso-motor
nerves, which have their origin in the gray matter of the medulla oblon-
gata. They issue from the spinal cord through the anterior roots of spinal
nerves, pass through the sympathetic ganglia, and ultimately are distributed
to the coats of the blood vessels. They exert, at different times, a constrict-
ing and dilating action upon the vessels, thus keeping up the arterial tonus.
Capillaries. The capillaries constitute a network of vessels of micro-
scopic size, which distribute the blood to the inmost recesses of the tissues,
inosculating with the arteries on the one hand and the veins on the other;
they branch and communicate in every possible direction.
The diameter of a capillary vessel varies from the 1° the ysW °f
an inch; their walls consist of a delicate homogeneous membrane, the
yuotit °f an inch in thickness, lined by flattened, elongated, endothelial
cells, between which, here and there, are observed stomata.
It is through the agency of the capillary vessels that the phenomena of
nutrition and secretion takes place, for here the blood flows in an equable
and continuous current, and is brought into intimate relationship with the
tissues, two of the essential conditions for proper nutrition.
The rate of movement in the capillary vessels is estimated at one inch
in thirty seconds. ARTERIES.
51
In the capillary current the red corpuscles may be seen hurrying down
the centre of the stream, while the white corpuscles in the still layer
adhere to the walls of the vessel, and at times can be seen to pass through
the walls of the vessel by amoeboid movements.
The passage of the blood through the capillaries is mainly due to the
force of the ventricular systole and the elasticity of the arteries; but it is
probably also aided by a power resident in the capillaries themselves, the
result of a vital relation between the blood and the tissues.
The Veins are the vessels which return the blood to the heart; they
have their origin in the venous radicles, and as they approach the heart,
converge to form larger trunks, and terminate finally in the venae cavse.
They possess three coats—
1. External, made up of areolar tissue.
2. Middle, composed of non-striated muscular fibres, yellow, elastic and
fibrous tissue.
3. Internal, an endothelial membrane, similar to that of the arteries.
Veins are distinguished by the possession of valves throughout their
course, which are arranged in pairs, and formed by a reflection of the
internal coat, strengthened by fibrous tissue; they always look toward the
heart, and when closed prevent a return of blood in the veins. Valves
are most numerous in the veins of the extremities, but are entirely absent
in many others.
The onward flow of blood in the veins is mainly due to the action of
the heart; but is assisted by the contraction of the voluntary muscles and
the force of aspiration.
Muscular contraction, which is intermittent, aids the flow of blood in
the veins, by compressing them. As regurgitation is prevented by the
closure of the valves, the blood is forced onward toward the heart.
Rhythmical movements of veins have been observed in some of the
lower animals, aiding the onward current of blood.
During the movement of inspiration the thorax is enlarged in all its
diameters, and the pressure on its contents at once diminishes. Under
these circumstances a suction force is exerted upon the great venous trunks,
which causes the blood to flow with increased rapidity and volume toward
the heart.
Venous pressure. As the force of the heart is nearly expended in
driving the blood through the capillaries, the pressure in the venous system
is not very marked, not amounting in the jugular vein of a dog to more
than tX2 that of the carotid artery. 52
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY.
The time required for a complete circulation of the blood throughout
the vascular system has been estimated to be from 20 to 30 seconds, while
for the entire mass of blood to pass through the heart 58 pulsations would
be required, occupying 48 seconds.
The Forces keeping the blood in circulation are—
1. Action of the heart.
2. Elasticity of the arteries.
3. Capillary force.
4. Contraction of the voluntary muscles upon the veins.
5. Respiratory movements.
Respiration is the function by which oxygen is absorbed into the
blood and carbonic acid exhaled. The appropriation of the oxygen and
the evolution of carbonic acid takes place in the tissues as a part of the
general nutritive process; the blood and respiratory apparatus constituting
the media by means of which the interchange of gases is accomplished.
The Respiratory Apparatus consists of the larynx, trachea and
lungs.
The Larynx is composed of firm cartilages, united together by liga-
ments and muscles; running antero-posteriorly across the upper opening
are four ligamentous bands, the two superior or false vocal cords, and the
two inferior or true vocal cords, formed by folds of the mucous membrane.
They are attached anteriorly to the thyroid cartilages and posteriorly to the
arytenoid cartilages, and are capable of being separated by the contraction
of the posterior crico-arytenoid muscles, so as to admit the passage of air
into and from the lungs.
The Trachea is a tube from four to five inches in length, three-quarters
of an inch in diameter, extending from the cricoid cartilage of the larynx
to the third dorsal vertebra, where it divides into the right and left bronchi.
It is composed of a series of cartilaginous rings, which extend about two-
thirds around its circumference, the posterior third being occupied by
fibrous tissue and non-striated muscular fibres which are capable of dimin-
ishing its calibre.
The trachea is covered externally by a tough, fibro-elastic membrane,
and internally by mucous membrane, lined by columnar ciliated epithelial
cells. The cilia are always waving from within outward. When the two
bronchi enter the lungs they divide and subdivide into numerous and
RESPIRATION. RESPIRATION.
53
smaller branches, which penetrate the lung in every direction until they
finally terminate in the pulmonary lobules.
As the bronchial tubes become smaller their walls become thinner; the
cartilaginous rings disappear, but are replaced by irregular angular plates
of cartilage; when the tube becomes less than the of an inch in di-
ameter they wholly disappear, and the fibrous and mucous coats blend
together, forming a delicate, elastic membrane, with circular muscular fibres.
The Lungs occupy the cavity of the
thorax, are conical in shape, of a pink
color and a spongy texture. They are
composed of a great number of distinct
lobules, the pulmonary lobules, con-
nected together by inter-lobular con-
nective tissue. These lobules vary in
size, are of an oblong shape, and are
composed of the ultimate ramifications
of the bronchial tubes, within which are
contained the air vesicles or cells. The
walls of the air vesicles, exceedingly
thin and delicate, are lined internally by
a layer of tessellated epithelium, exter-
nally covered by elastic fibres, which
give the lungs their elasticity and dis-
tensibility.
The Venous Blood is distributed to
the lungs for aeration by the pulmonary
artery, the terminal branches of which
form a rich plexus of capillary vessels
surrounding the air cells ; the air and
blood are thus brought into intimate
relationship, being separated only by the delicate walls of the air cells and
capillaries.
The Pleura. Each lung is surrounded by a closed serous membrane,
the pleura, one layer of which, the visceral, is reflected over the lung, the
other, the parietal, reflected over the wall of the thorax ; between the two
layers is a small amount of fluid which prevents friction during the play of
the lungs in respiration.
The lungs are nourished by blood from the bronchial arteries ramifying
in the walls of the bronchial tubes and interlobular connective tissue.
Fig 7.
Diagram of the respiratory organs.
The windpipe leading down from the
larynx is seen to branch into two large
bronchi, which subdivide after they
enter their respective lungs. 54
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY.
Respiratory movements. The movements of respiration are two, and
consist of an alternate dilatation and contraction of the chest, known as in-
spiration and expiration.
1. Inspiration is an active process, the result of the expansion of the
thorax, whereby air is introduced into the lungs.
2. Expiration is a partially passive process, the result of the recoil of
the elastic walls of the thorax, and the recoil of the elastic tissue of the
lungs, whereby the carbonic acid is expelled.
In Inspiration the chest is enlarged by an increase in all its diameters,
viz.:—
1. The vertical is increased by the contraction and descent of the dia-
phragm when it approximates a straight line.
2. The antero-posterior and transverse diameters are increased by the
elevation and rotation of the ribs upon their axes.
In ordinary tranquil inspiration the muscles which elevate the ribs and
thrust the sternum forward, and so increase the diameters of the chest, are
the external intercostals, running from above downward and forward, the
sternalportion of the internal intercostals and the levatores costarum.
In the extraordinary efforts of inspiration certain auxiliary muscles are
brought into play, viz.; the sterno-mastoid, pectorales, serratus magnus,
which increase the capacity of the thorax to its utmost limit.
In Expiration the diameters of the chest are all diminished, viz.:
1. The vertical, by the ascent of the diaphragm.
2. The antero-posterior, by a depression of the ribs and sternum.
In ordinary tranquil expiration the diameters of the thorax are dimin-
ished by the recoil of the elastic tissue of the lungs and the ribs; but in
forcible expiration the muscles which depress the ribs and sternum, and
thus further diminish the diameter of the chest, are the internal inter-
costals, the infracostals, and the triangularis sterni.
In the extraordinary efforts of expiration certain auxiliary muscles are
brought into play, viz.: the abdominal and sacro-lumbalis muscles, which
diminish the capacity of the thorax to its utmost limit.
Expiration is aided by the recoil of the elastic tissue of the lungs and
ribs and the pressure of the air.
Movements of the Glottis. At each inspiration the rima glottidis is
dilated by a separation of the vocal cords, produced by the contraction of
the crico-arytenoid muscles, so as to freely admit the passage of air into the
lungs; in expiration they fall passively together, but do not interfere with
the exit of the air from the chest. RESPIRATION.
55
Nervous Mechanism of Respiration. The movements of respira-
tion are involuntary and reflex, and are under the control of the medulla
oblongata.
This centre may be stimulated—
1. Directly, by the condition of the blood. An increase of carbonic acid
or a diminution of oxygen in the blood causes an acceleration of the
respiratory movements; the reverse of these conditions causes a diminu-
tion of the respiratory movements.
2. Indirectly, by reflex action. The medulla may be excited to action
through the pneumogastric nerve, by the presence of carbonic acid in the
lungs irritating its terminal filaments; through the fifth nerve, by irrita-
tion of the terminal branches; and through the nerves of general sensibility.
In either case this centre reflects motor impulses to the respiratory muscles
through the phrenic, intercostals, inferior laryngeal and other nerves.
Types of Respiration. The abdominal type is most marked in young
children, irrespective of sex ; the respiratory movements being effected by
the diaphragm and abdominal muscles.
In the superior costal type, exhibited by the adult female, the respiratory
movements are more marked in the upper part of the chest, from the 1st
to the 7th ribs, permitting the uterus to ascend in the abdomen during
pregnancy without interfering with respiration.
In the inferior costal type, manifested by the male, the movements are
largely produced by the muscles of the lower portion of the chest, from the
7th rib downward, assisted by the diaphragm.
The respiratory movements vary according to age, sleep and exercise,
being most frequent in early life, but averaging 20 per minute in adult life.
They are diminished by sleep and increased by exercise. There are about
four pulsations of the heart to each respiratory act.
During inspiration two sounds are produced; the one, heard in the
thorax, in the trachea and larger bronchial tubes, is tubular in character;
the other, heard in the substance of the lungs, is vesicular in character.
AMOUNT OF AIR EXCHANGED IN RESPIRATION, AND CAPACITY
OF LUNGS.
The Tidal or breathing volume of air, that which passes in and out of
the lungs at each inspiration and expiration, is estimated at from 20 to 30
cubic inches.
The Complemental air is that amount which can be taken into the lungs
by a forced inspiration, in addition to the ordinary tidal volume, and
amounts to about 110 cubic inches. 56
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY,
The Reserve air is that which usually remains in the chest after the
ordinary efforts of expiration, but which can be expelled by forcible expira-
tion. The volume of reserve air is about ioo cubic inches.
The Residual air is that portion which remains in the chest and cannot
be expelled after the most forcible expiratory efforts, and which amounts,
according to Dr. Hutchinson, to about ioo cubic inches.
The Vital Capacity of the chest indicates the amount of air that can
be forcibly expelled from the lungs after the deepest possible inspiration,
and is an index of an individual’s power of breathing in disease and pro-
longed severe exercise. The combined amounts of the tidal, the comple-
mental and reserve air, 230 cubic inches, represents the vital capacity of an
individual 5 feet 7 inches in height. The vital capacity varies chiefly with
stature. It is increased 8 cubic inches for every inch in height above this
standard, and diminishes 8 cubic inches for each inch below it.
The Tidal Volume of air is carried only into the trachea and larger
bronchial tubes by the inspiratory movements. It reaches the deeper
portions of the lungs in obedience to the law of diffusion of gases, which
is inversely proportionate to the square root of their densities.
The ciliary action of the columnar cells lining the bronchial tubes also
assists in the interchange of air and carbonic acid.
The entire volume of air passing in and out of the thorax in 24 hours is
subject to great variation, but can be readily estimated from the tidal
volume and the number of respirations per minute. Assuming that an
individual takes into the chest 20 cubic inches at each inspiration, and
breathes 18 times per minute, in 24 hours there would pass in and out of
the lungs 518,400 cubic inches or 300 cubic feet.
Composition of Air: Oxygen, 20.81 parts; nitrogen, 79.19, forming a
mechanical mixture in which exist traces of carbonic acid and watery
vapor.
The changes in the air effected by respiration are—
Loss of oxygen, to the extent of 5 cubic inches per 100 of air, or 1 in
20.
Gain of carbonic acid, to the extent of 4.66 cubic inches per 100 of
air or .93 inch in 20.
Increase of watery vapor and organic matter.
Elevation of temperature.
Increase and at times decrease of nitrogen.
Gain of ammonia.
The total quantity of oxygen withdrawn from the air and consumed by RESPIRATION.
57
the body in 24 hours amounts to 15 cubic feet, and can be readily esti-
mated from the amount consumed at each respiration. Assuming that one
inch of oxygen remains in the lungs at each respiration, in one hour there
are consumed 18 inches, and in 24 hours, 25,920 cubic inches or 15 cubic
feet, weighing 18 oz. To obtain this quantity, 300 cubic feet of air are
necessary.
The quantity of carbonic acid exhaled in 24 hours varies greatly. It
can be estimated in the same way. Assuming that an individual exhales
•93 + cubic inch at each respiration, in one hour there are eliminated 1008
cubic inches, and in 24 hours 24,192 cubic inches or 14 cubic feet, con-
taining 7 oz. of pure carbon.
As oxygen and carbon unite to form an equal volume of carbonic acid
gas, there disappears daily in the body, one cubic foot of oxygen, which
in all probability unites with the surplus hydrogen of the food to form
water.
The exhalation of carbonic acid is increased by muscular exercise;
nitrogenous food; tea, coffee and rice; age, and by muscular develop-
ment ; decreased by a lowering of temperature; repose; gin and brandy,
and a dry condition of the air.
Condition of the Gases in the Blood.
Oxygen is absorbed from the lungs into the arterial blood by the coloring
matter, hcemoglobin, with which it exists in a state of loose combination,
and is disengaged during the process of nutrition.
Carbonic acid, arising in the tissues, is absorbed into the blood, in conse-
quence of its alkalinity; where it exists in a state of simple solution and
also in a state of feeble combination with the carbonates, soda and potassa,
forming the bicarbonates; it is liberated by pneumic acid in the pulmonary
tissue.
Nitrogen is simply held in solution in the plasma.
The amount of watery vapor thrown off from the lungs daily is about
one pound, with which is mingled organic matter and ammonia.
Changes in the Blood during Respiration.
As the blood passes through the lungs it is changed in color, from
the dark purple hue of venous blood to the bright scarlet of arterial
blood.
The heterogeneous composition of venous blood is exchanged for the
uniform composition of the arterial.
It gains oxygen and loses carbonic acid.
Its coagulability is increased. Temperature is diminished. 58
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY.
Asphyxia. If the supply of oxygen to the lungs be diminished and
the carbonic acid retained in the blood, the normal respiratory move-
ments cease, the condition of asphyxia ensues, which soon terminates
in death.
The phenomena of asphyxia are, violent spasmodic action of the respi-
ratory muscles, attended by convulsions of the muscles of the extremities,
engorgement of the venous system, lividity of the skin, abolition of sensi-
bility and reflex action, and death.
The cause of death is a paralysis of the heart, from over distention by
blood. The passage of the blood through the capillaries is prevented by
contraction of the smaller arteries, from irritation of the vaso-motor centre.
The heart is enfeebled by a want of oxygen and inhibited in its action by
the inhibitory centres.
ANIMAL HEAT.
The Functional Activity of all the organs and tissues of the body is
attended by the evolution of heat, which is independent, for the most part,
of external conditions. Heat is a necessary condition for the due perform-
ance of all vital actions; though the body constantly loses heat by radia-
tion and evaporation, it possesses the capability of renewing it and main-
taining it at a fixed standard. The normal te?nperature of the body in the
adult, as shown by means of a delicate thermometer placed in the axilla,
ranges from 97.250 Fahr. to 99.50 Fahr., though the mean normal tem-
perature is estimated by Wunderlich at 98.6° Fahr.
The temperature varies in different portions of the body, according to
the degree in which oxidation takes place; being the highest in the muscles
during exercise, in the brain, blood, liver, etc.
The conditions which produce variations in the normal temperature
of the body are: age, period of the day, exercise, food and drink, climate,
season and disease.
Age. At birth the temperature of the infant is about 10 F. above that
of the adult, but in a few hours falls to 95.50 F., to be followed in the
course of 24 hours by a rise to the normal or a degree beyond. During
childhood the temperature approaches that of the adult; in aged persons
the temperature remains about the same, though they are not as capable
of resisting the depressing effects of external cold as adults. A diurnal
variation of the temperature occurs from 1.8° F. to 3.6° F. (Jurgensen);
the maximum occurring late in the afternoon, from 4 to 9 P.M., the mini-
mum, early in the morning, from 1 to 7 A.M.
Exercise. The temperature is raised from i° to 2° F. during active contractions of the muscular masses, and is probably due to the increased
activity of chemical changes; a rise beyond this point being prevented by
its diffusion to the surface, consequent on a more rapid circulation, radia-
tion, more rapid breathing, etc.
Food and drink. The ingestion of a hearty meal increases the tempera-
ture but slightly; an absence of food, as in starvation, produces a marked
decrease. Alcoholic drinks, in large amounts, in persons unaccustomed
to their use, cause a depression of the temperature, amounting from i° to
2° F. Tea causes a slight elevation.
External temperature. Long continued exposure to cold, especially
if the body is at rest, diminishes the temperature from i° to 2° F., while
exposure to a great heat slightly increases it.
Disease frequently causes a marked variation in the normal temperature
of the body, rising as high as 107° F. in typhoid fever, and 105° F. in pneu-
monia ; in cholera it falls as low as 8o° F. Death usually occurs when the
heat remains high and persistent, from 106° to 110 °F.; the increase of heat
in disease is due to excessive production rather than to diminished elimina-
tion.
The source of heat is to be sought for in the chemical combinations
taking place during the general process of nutrition, and the amount of
its production is in proportion to the activity of the internal changes.
Every contraction of a muscle, every act of secretion, each exhibition
of nerve force, is accompanied by a change in the chemical composition of
the tissues and an evolution of heat. The reduction of the disintegrated
tissues to their simplest form by oxidation ; the combination of the oxygen
of the inspired air with the carbon and hydrogen of the blood and tissues,
results in the formation of carbonic acid and water and the generation of a
large amount of heat.
Certain elements of the food, particularly the non-nitrogenized sub-
stances, undergo oxidation without taking part in the formation of the
tissues, being transformed into carbonic acid and water, and thus increase
the sum of heat in the body.
Heat-producing Tissues. All the tissues of the body add to the
general amount of heat, according to the degree of their activity. But
special structures, on account of their mass and the large amount of blood
they receive, are particularly to be regarded as heat producers ; e. g:—
I. During mental activity the brain receives nearly one-fifth of the
entire volume of blood, and the venous blood returning from it is charged
with waste matters, and its temperature is increased.
ANIMAL HEAT.
59 60
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY.
2. The muscular tissue, on account of the many chemical changes
occurring during active contractions, must be regarded as the chief heat-
producing tissue.
3. The secreting glands, during their functional activity, add largely to
the amount of heat.
Of the entire quantity of heat generated in the body, it is estimated
that only a small proportion is utilized, as five-sixths escape by radiation
and evaporation, the remaining one-sixth being utilized in keeping the
body at the normal temperature standard, 98.6° F., and in the production
of muscular force.
The body loses heat by radiation and evaporation from the general
cutaneous surface, the respiratory passages and by the urine and faeces.
About 75 per cent, of all the heat lost escapes from the skin. In passing
through the lungs the temperature of the blood is lowered by about
i° Fahr.
The nervous system influences the production of heat in a part, by
increasing the amount of blood going through it by its action upon the
vaso motor nerves. Whether there exists a special heat centre has not
been satisfactorily determined, though this is probable.
The Process of Secretion consists in the separation of materials from
the blood, which are either to be again utilized to fulfill some special pur-
pose in the economy, or are to be removed from the body as excrementi-
tious matter; in the former case they constitute the secretions, in the latter,
the excretions.
The materials which enter into the composition of the secretions are
derived from the nutritive principles of the blood, and require special
organs, e. g., gastric glands, mammary glands, etc., for their proper
elaboration.
The materials which compose the excretions pre-exist in the blood, and
are the results of the activities of the nutritive process; if retained within
the body they exert a deleterious influence upon the composition of the
blood.
Destruction of a secreting gland abolishes the secretion peculiar to it,
and it cannot be formed by any other gland; but among the excreting
organs there exists a complementary relation, so that if the function of one
organ be interfered with, another performs it, to a certain extent.
SECRETION. SECRETION.
61
CLASSIFICATION OF THE SECRETIONS.
Serous fluids.
Synovial fluid.
Aqueous humor of the eye.
PERMANENT FLUIDS.
Vitreous humor of the eye.
Fluid of the labyrinth of the internal
ear.
Cerebro-spinal fluid.
Mucus.
Sebaceous matter.
Cerumen (external meatus).
Meibomian fluid.
Milk and colostrum.
Tears.
Saliva.
TRANSITORY FLUIDS.
Gastric juice.
Pancreatic juice.
Secretion from Brunner’s glands.
Secretion from Leiberkiihn’s glands.
Secretion from follicles of the large
intestine.
Bile (also an excretion).
EXCRETIONS.
Perspiration and the secretion of
the axillary glands.
Urine.
Bile (also a secretion).
FLUIDS CONTAINING FORMED ANATOMICAL ELEMENTS.
Seminal fluid, containing spermatozoids. Fluid of the Graafian follicles.
The essential apparatus for secretion is a delicate, homogeneous,
structureless membrane, on one side of which, in close contact, is a capil-
lary plexus of blood vessels, and on the other side a layer of cells whose
physiological function varies in different situations.
Secreting organs may be divided into membranes and glands.
Serous membranes usually exist as closed sacs, the inner surface of which
is covered by pale, nucleated epithelium, containing a small amount of
secretion.
The serous membranes are the pleura, peritoneum, pericardium, synovial
sacs, etc.
The serous fluids are of a pale amber color, somewhat viscid, alkaline,
coagulable by heat, and resemble the serum of the blood; their amount
is but small; the pleural varies from 4 to 7 drachms ; the peritoneal from
1 tb 4 ounces; the pericardial from 1 to 3 drachms.
The synovial fluid is colorless, alkaline, and extremely viscid, from the
presence of synovine.
The function of serous fluids is to moisten the opposing surfaces, so as
to prevent friction during the play of the viscera.
The mucous membranes are soft and velvety in character, and line the
cavities and passages leading to the exterior of the body, e. g., the gaslro 62
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY.
intestinal, pulmonary and genito-urinary. They consist of a primary
basement membrane covered with epithelial cells, which, in some situa-
tions, are tessellated, in others, columnar.
Mucus is a pale, semi-transparent, alkaline fluid, containing epithelial
cells and leucocytes. It is composed, chemically, of water, an albumin-
ous principle, mucosine, and mineral salts; the principal varieties are
nasal, bronchial, vaginal and urinary.
Secreting Glands are formed of the same elements as the secreting
membranes; but instead of presenting flat surfaces, are involuted, forming
tubules, which may be simple follicles, e. g., mucous, uterine or intestinal;
or compound follicles, e. g., gastric glands, mammary glands; or racemose
glands, e. g., salivary glands and pancreas. They are composed of a
basement membrane, enveloped by a plexus of blood vessels, and are
lined by epithelial and true secreting cells, which in different glands possess
the capability of elaborating elements characteristic of their secretions.
In the production of the secretions two essentially different pro-
cesses are concerned:—
1. Chemical. The formation and elaboration of the characteristic organic
ingredients of the secreting fluids, e. g., pepsin, pancreatin, takes place
during the intervals of glandular activity, as a part of the general func-
tion of nutrition. They are formed by the cells lining the glands, and can
often be seen in their interior with the aid of the microscope, e. g., bile in
the liver cells, fat in the cells of the mammary gland.
2. Physical. Consisting of a transudation of water and mineral salts
from the blood into the interior of the gland.
During the intervals of glandular activity, only that amount of blood
passes through the gland sufficient for proper nutrition; when the gland
begins to secrete, under the influence of an appropriate stimulus, the blood
vessels dilate and the quantity of blood becomes greatly increased beyond
that flowing through the gland during its repose.
Under these conditions a transudation of water and salts takes place,
washing out the characteristic ingredients, which are discharged by the
gland ducts. The discharge of the secretions is intermittent; they are
retained in the glands until they receive the appropriate stimulus, when
they pass into the larger ducts by the vis-a-tergo, and are then discharged
by the contraction of the muscular walls of the ducts.
The activity of glandular secretion is hastened by an increase in the
blood pressure and retarded by a diminution.
The nervous centres in the medulla oblongata influence secretion, (i) by MILK.
63
increasing or diminishing the amount of blood entering a gland ; (2) by
exerting a direct influence upon the secreting cells themselves, the centres
being excited by reflex irritation, mental emotion, etc.
MAMMARY GLANDS.
The Mammary Glands secrete the milk, and undergo at different
periods of life remarkable changes in structure. Though rudimentary in
childhood, they gradually increase in size as the young female approaches
puberty.
The gland presents, at its convexity, a small prominence of skin, the
nipple, surrounded by an areola of a deeper tint. It is covered anteriorly
by a layer of adipose tissue and posteriorly by a fibrous structure which
attaches it loosely to the pedoralis muscle.
During utero-geslation the mammae become large, firm, well-developed
and lobulated; the areola becomes darker and the veins more prominent.
In the intervals of lactation the glands gradually shrink in size to their
original condition, undergo involution, and become non-secreting organs.
Structure of the Mammae. The mamma is a conglomerate gland,
consisting of a number of lobes, from 15 to 20 in number, each of which is
subdivided into lobules made up of gland vesicles or acini. The ducts
which convey the secretion to the exterior, the lactiferous ducts, open by
15 to 20 orifices upon the surface of the nipple, at the base of which they
are dilated to form little reservoirs in which the milk collects during the
periods of active secretion.
The walls of the lacteal duct consist of white, fibrous tissue, and non-
striated muscular fibres, lined by short columnar cells, which disappear
during active lactation. The ducts measure about the of an inch in
diameter; as they pass into the substance of the gland, each duct divides
into a number of branches, which are distributed to distinct lobules and
terminate in the acini.
An acinus is made up of a number of vesicles composed of a homoge-
neous membrane, lined by pavement epithelium. The gland vesicles are
held together by white, fibrous tissue, which unites the lobules into lobes.
MILK.
Milk has a pale, blue color, is almost inodorous, of a sweetish taste, an
alkaline reaction, and a specific gravity varying from 1.025 to 1.046,.
Examined microscopically it is seen to contain an immense number of
globules, measuring the °f an inch in diameter, suspended in a clear 64
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY.
fluid; these are the milk globules, formed of a small mass of oily matter
covered by a layer of albumen.
The quantity of milk secreted by the human female in 24 hours, during
the period of lactation, is about two to three pints; the quantity removed
by the infant from a full breast at one time being about two ounces.
Water 890.00
Proteids, including casein and serum albumen 35 .oo
Fatty matter (butter) 25.00
Sugar (lactose) with extractives 48.00
Salts > 2.00
1000.00
COMPOSITION OF MILK.
Casein is the nutritive principle of milk, and constitutes its most import-
ant ingredient. It is held in solution by an alkali, but upon the addition
of an acid it undergoes coagulation, passing into a semi-solid form. The
presence of lactic acid, resulting from a transformation of milk sugar,
causes spontaneous coagulation to take place.
The Fatty matter is more or less solid at ordinary temperature, and con-
sists of margarine and oleine; when subjected to the churning process the
globules run together and form a coherent mass, the butter.
When milk is allowed to stand for a varying length of time the fat glob-
ules rise to the surface, forming a layer more or less thick, the cream.
Milk sugar or lactose is an important ingredient in the food of the young
child; it is readily transformed into lactic acid in the presence of nitro-
genized ferments.
Influence's modifying the secretion. During lactation there is a
demand for an increased amount of fluid, and if not supplied, the amount
of milk secreted is diminished. Good food in sufficient quantity is neces-
sary for the proper elaboration of milk, though no particular article influ-
ences its production.
Mental emotion at times influences the character of the milk, decreasing
the amount of its different constituents.
Mechanism of Secretion. The water and salts pre-exist in the blood
and pass into the gland vesicles by osmosis. The casein, fatty matter and
sugar appear only in the mammary gland, but the mechanism of their for-
mation is not understood.
Colostrum is a yellowish, opaque fluid, formed in the mammary glands
towards the latter period of utero-gestation; it consists of water, albumen,
fat, sugar and salts, and acts as a laxative to the newly-born infant. VASCULAR OR DUCTLESS GLANDS.
VASCULAR OR DUCTLESS GLANDS.
65
The Vascular Glands are regarded as possessing the power of acting
upon certain elements of the food and aiding the process of sanguinifi-
cation; of modifying the composition of the blood as it flows through their
substance, by some act of secretion.
The vascular glands are the spleen, suprarenal capsules, thyroid and
thymus glands.
The Spleen is about 5 inches in length, 6 ounces in weight, of a dark
bluish color, and situated in the left hypochondriac region. It is covered
externally by a reflection of the peritoneum, beneath which is the proper
fibrous coat, composed of areolar and elastic tissue and non-striated
muscular fibres. From the inner surface of the fibrous envelope processes
or trabeculae are given off, which penetrate the substance of the gland,
forming a network, in the meshes of which is contained the spleen pulp.
The splenic artery divides into a number of branches, some of which,
when they become very minute, pass directly into veins, while others
terminate in true capillaries.
As the capillary vessels ramify through the substance of the gland, their
walls frequently disappear and the blood passes from the arteries into the
veins through lacutia (Gray).
The splenic or Malpighian corpuscles are small bodies, spherical or ovoid
in shape, the of an inch in diameter, situated upon the sheaths of the
small arteries. They consist of a delicate membrane, containing a semi-
fluid substance composed of numerous small cells resembling lymph cor-
puscles. The spleen pulp is a dark red, semi-fluid substance, of a soft
consistence, contained in the meshes of the trabeculae. In it are found
numerous corpuscles, like those observed in the Malpighian bodies, blood
corpuscles in a natural and altered condition, nuclei and pigment granules.
Function of the Spleen. Probably influences the preparation of the
albuminous food for nutrition; during digestion the spleen becomes larger,
its contents are increased in amount, and after digestion it gradually dimin-
ishes in size, returning to the normal condition.
The red corpuscles are here disintegrated, after having fulfilled their
function in the blood; the splenic venous blood containing relatively a
small quantity.
The white corpuscles appear to be increased in number, the blood of the
splenic vein containing an unusually large proportion.
The spleen serves also as a reservoir for blood when the portal circula-
tion becomes obstructed. 66
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY.
The nervous system controls the enlargement of the spleen; division of
the nerve produces dilatation of the vessels, stimulation contracts them.
The Supra-renal Capsules are triangular, flattened bodies, situated
above the kidney. They are invested by a fibrous capsule sending in
trabeculae, forming the framework. The glandular tissue is composed of
two portions, a cortical and medullary. The cortical being made up of
small cylinders lined by cells and containing an opaque mass, nuclei and
granular matter. The medullary consists of a fibrous network containing
in the alveoli nucleated protoplasm.
The Thyroid gland consists of a fibrous stroma, containing ovoid
closed sacs, measuring on the average of an inch, formed of a delicate
membrane lined by cells; the contents of the sacs consist of yellowish
albuminous fluid.
The Thymus gland is most developed in early life and almost disap-
pears in the adult. It is divided by processes of fibrous tissue into lobules,
and these again into follicles which contain lymphoid corpuscles.
The functions of the vascular glands appear to be the more complete
elaboration of the blood necessary for proper nutrition; they are most
highly developed during infancy and embryonic life, when growth and
development are most active.
EXCRETION.
The Principal Excrementitious Fluids discharged from the body
are the urine, perspiration and bile; they hold in solution principles of
waste which are generated during the activity of the nutritive process, and
are the ultimate forms to which the organic constituents are reduced in
the body. They also contain inorganic salts.
The Urinary Apparatus consists of the kidneys, ureters and bladder.
KIDNEYS.
The Kidneys are the organs for the excretion of urine; they resemble
a bean in shape, are from four to five inches in length, two in breadth,
and weigh from four to six ounces.
They are situated in the lumbar region, one on each side of the vertebral
column, behind the peritoneum, and extend from the nth rib to the crest
of the ilium; the anterior surface is convex, the posterior concave, and
presents a deep notch, the hilum.
The kidney is surrounded by a thick layer of fat, beneath which is the KIDNEYS.
67
fibrous coat, thin and smooth, composed of dense white fibrous tissue with
which are intermingled elastic fibres. It is adherent to the surface of the
organ, but can easily be removed by dissection.
Fig. 8.
Longitudinal section through the kidney, the pelvis of the kidney, and a number of
renal calyces. A, branch of the renal artery; U, ureter; C, renal calix; r, cortex; i',
medullary rays; i", labyrinth, or cortex proper; 2, medulla; 2', papillary portion of
medulla, or medulla proper; 2'', border layer of the medulla; 3,3, transverse section
through the axes of the tubules of the border layer; 4, fat of the renal sinus; 5,5, arterial
branches ; *, transversely coursing medulla rays.— Tyson, after Henle.
The Substance of the Kidney is dense, but friable; upon making
a longitudinal section, and dividing it, there is presented a cavity, the 68
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY.
pelvis, lined by the proper fibrous coat and occupied by the expanded
portion of the ureter.
The kidney exhibits two structures, viz.: —
1. An external or cortical portion, about >4 of an inch in diameter, of
a reddish color, and somewhat granular.
2. An internal or medullary portion, of a dark red color, arranged in
the form of pyramids, the bases of which are directed toward the cortical
portion, and the apices toward the pelvis, into which they project, and are
covered by the calyces.
The Cortical portion of the kidney consists of a delicate matrix con-
taining an immense number of tubules, having a markedly convoluted
appearance, and interlacing in every direction (the tubules of Ferrein).
Throughout its structure are numerous ovoid bodies, the Malpighian
bodies, which are the flask-like terminations of the convoluted tubules;
Fig. 9.
Diagrammatic exposition of the method in which the uriniferous tubes unite to form
primitive cones.—‘Tyson, after Ludwig.
these tubes are composed of a delicate homogeneous membrane lined by
nucleated cells. After pursuing a most intricate course in the cortical
portion, they become narrower and form loops which dip into the pyra-
midal portion (Henle’s tubules), returning upon themselves, to finally
terminate in the straight tubes of the pyramids.
The Malpighian bodies, the dilated extremities of the convoluted
tubes, consist of a little sac (the capsule of Muller), which is ovoid in
shape, measuring about the of an inch in diameter, and contains a
tufted mass of minute blood vessels, over the surface of which is reflected
a layer of cells.
Medullary Substance. The conical masses, the pyramids of Mal-
pighi, consist of a number of straight tubes, which commence at the apex
by from io to 20 openings; and as they pass toward the cortical portion>
they divide and subdivide at acute angles, until a large mass of tubes is KIDNEYS.
69
produced. These tubes are on the average about of an inch in
diameter, and composed of a thin, but firm, elastic, structureless mem-
brane, lined by polygonal nucleated cells, which reduce the diameter
of the lumen of the tube about two-thirds; these are th& straight tubes
of Bellini.
Blood vessels of the Kidney. The renal artery is of large size and
enters the organ at the hilum; it divides into several large branches,
which penetrate the substance of the kidney, between the pyramids, at the
base of which they form an anastomosing plexus, which completely sur-
rounds them. From this plexus vessels follow the straight tubes toward
the apex, while others entering the cortical portion, divide into small twigs
which enter the Malpighian body and form a mass of convoluted vessels,
the glomerulus. After circulating through the Malpighian tuft the blood
is gathered together by two or three small veins, which again subdivide
and form a fine capillary plexus, which envelops the convoluted tubules;
from this plexus the veins converge to form the emulgent vein, which
empties into the vena cava.
The nerves of the kidney follow the course of the blood vessels and
are derived from the renal plexus.
The Ureter is a membranous tube, situated behind the peritoneum,
about the diameter of a goose quill, 18 inches in length, and extends from
the pelvis of the kidney to the base of the bladder, which it perforates in
an oblique direction. It is composed of 3 coats, fibrous, muscular and
mucous.
The Bladder is a temporary reservoir for the reception of the urine
prior to its expulsion from the body; when fully distended it is ovoid in
shape, and holds about one pint. It is composed of four coats, serous,
muscular, the fibres of which are arranged longitudinally and circularly,
areolar and mucous. The orifice of the bladder is controlled by the
sphincter vesicce, a muscular band, about half an inch in width.
As soon as the urine is formed it passes through the tubuli uriniferi
into the pelvis, and from thence through the ureters into the bladder, which
it enters at an irregular rate. Shortly after a meal, after the ingestion of
large quantities of fluid, and after exercise, the urine flows into the bladder
quite rapidly, while it is reduced to a few drops during the intervals of
digestion. It is prevented from regurgitating into the ureters on account
of the oblique direction they take between the mucous and muscular
coats. 70
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY.
Nervous Mechanism of Urination. When the urine has passed into
the bladder it is there retained by the sphincter vesicse muscle kept in a
state of tonic contraction by the action of a nerve centre in the lumbar
region of the spinal cord. This centre can be inhibited and the sphincter
relaxed, either reflexly, by impressions coming through sensory nerves from
the mucous membrane of the bladder, or directly, by a voluntary impulse
descending the spinal cord. When the desire to urinate is experienced,
impressions made upon the vesical sensory nerves are carried to the centres
governing the sphincter and detrusor urince muscles and to the brain. If
now the act of urination is to take place, a voluntary impulse, originating
in the brain, passes down the spinal cord and still further inhibits the
sphincter vesicse centre, with the effect of relaxing the muscle, and of
stimulating the centre governing the detrusor muscle, with the effect of con-
tracting the muscle and expelling the urine. If the act is to be suppressed
voluntary impulses inhibit the detrusor centre and possibly stimulate the
sphincter centre.
The genito-spinal centre controlling these movements is situated in that
portion of the spinal cord corresponding to the origin of the 3d, 4th and
5th sacral nerves.
URINE.
Normal Urine is of a pale yellow or amber color, perfectly transparent,
with an aromatic odor, an acid reaction, a specific gravity of 1.020, and a
temperature when first discharged of ioo° Fahr.
The color varies considerably in health, from a pale yellow to a brown
hue, due to the presence of the coloring matter, urobilin or urochrome.
The transparency is diminished by the presence of mucus, the calcium
and magnesium phosphates and the mixed urates.
The reaction is slightly acid, caused by the acid phosphate of sodium.
After standing for a short time, an increased acidity is observed, due
to an acid fermentation, from the presence of mucus. The urea is
converted into ammonium carbonate, giving rise to a strong ammoniacal
odor.
The specific gravity varies from 1.010 to 1.025.
The quantity of urine excreted in 24 hours is between 40 and 50 fluid
ounces, but ranges above and below this standard.
The odor is characteristic, and caused by the presence of taurylic and
phenylic acids, but is influenced by vegetable foods and other substances
eliminated by the kidneys. URINE.
71
Water 967.
Urea 14230
COMPOSITION OF URINE.
Other nitrogenized crystalline bodies, uric acid, prin-
cipally in the form of alkaline urates.
Creatin, creatinin, xanthin, hypoxanthin.
Hippuric acid, leucin, tyrosin, taurin, cystin, all in
small amounts, and not constant.
Mucus and pigment.
10.635
Salts:—
Inorganic, principally sodium and potassium sulphates,
phosphates and chlorides, with magnesium and cal-
cium phosphates, traces of silicates and chlorides.
Organic: lactates, hippurates, acetates, formates,
which appear only occasionally.
8-135
Sugar a trace.
Gases (nitrogen and carbonic acid principally).
1000.00
The Average Quantity of the principal constituents excreted in 24
hours is as follows:—
Water 52 fluid oz.
Urea 512.4 grains.
Uric acid 8.5 “
Phosphoric acid 45.0 “
Sulphuric acid 3l.ll “
Inorganic salts 323.25 “
Lime and magnesia 6.5 “
To Determine the amount of solid matters in any given amount of
urine, multiply the last two figures of the specific gravity by the coefficient
of Hseser, 2.33; e.g., in 1000 grains of urine having a specific gravity
1.022, there are contained 22 X 2.33 = 51.26 grains of solid matter.
The Elimination of the urinary constituents is accomplished by the
two processes of filtration and secretion.
X. By Filtration the water and mineral salts are removed from the
blood, and takes place, for the most part, in the Malpighian corpuscles,
by the process of osmosis. The amount of these constituents eliminated
varies with the pressure of blood in the renal arteries. All of the agencies
which increase the general blood pressure increase the quantity of urine.
Season. In summer, while the capillary vessels of the skin are dilated, 72
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY.
and perspiration is abundant, there is a diminished blood pressure, and a
consequent diminution in the amount of urine; in winter the reverse takes
place.
During sleep the renal excretion is diminished, but increased in the
morning hours, and especially after the ingestion of hearty meals.
The nervous system influences the secretion of urine. Irritation of the
medulla oblongata, a little above the origin of the pneumogastric and
auditory nerves, increases the quantity; division of the renal nerves
destroys the nutrition of the kidney, and thus interferes with the elimina-
tion of the urine. Mental emotion, fear, anxiety, etc., increase the amount
secreted.
2. Secretion. While it is established that the Malpighian corpuscles
permit the filtration of water and salts, it has also been shown that the
renal epithelial cells lining the convoluted tubes are the agencies by which
the solid matters, urea, creatin, etc., are removed from the blood, by a
process of true secretion, which is independent of blood pressure and
caused by the pressure of these ingredients in the blood.
Urea is the most important of the organic constituents of the urine. It
is a colorless, neutral substance, crystallizing in four-sided prisms, soluble
in boiling alcohol and water; when subjected to prolonged boiling it is
decomposed, with the production of ammonium carbonate.
Urea is not formed in the kidneys, but pre-exists in the blood.
The Amount of Urea excreted in 24 hours is estimated at about 500
grains; it is increased during the waking hours, by an animal diet, and
by prolonged muscular exertion; dvninished during sleep and by non-
nitrogenized food.
Source. Urea results from an imperfect oxidation of the albuminous
principles of the food, and from a disintegration of the organic constituents
of the tissues.
Uric acid, or lithic acid, is a constant ingredient of the urine; the
amount excreted daily is about 8 grains; it is increased by nitrogenized,
decreased by non-nitrogenized food. It exists in the urine in a free state,
and as the urate of soda. It arises from the disassimilation of albuminous
compounds, and when secreted in excess is deposited in a crystalline form,
as a brown or “ brick-red ” sediment, with the sodium and ammonium
urates.
Creatin is a colorless, transparent substance, crystallizing in prisms;
found in blood, kidneys, and muscular tissue; by boiling in acid solutions
it is transformed into LIVER
73
Creatinin, which resembles creatin chemically. It is soluble in water
and alcohol, and crystallizes in colorless prisms. About 15 grains are
excreted daily.
The Earthy phosphates are insoluble in water but held in solution in
the urine by the acid reaction. If the urine becomes alkaline, they are
deposited copiously, and yet may not be increased in quantity; from 15 to
25 grains are excreted in 24 hours. The sulphates are those of sodium
and potassium; they are very soluble and do not appear as a precipitate;
the average quantity excreted in 24 hours is about 60 grains.
Abnormal ingredients appear in the urine at times, in pathological con-
ditions, e. g., sugar, albumen, biliary salts, etc.
The Gases of the urine are carbonic acid and nitrogen.
The Liver is a highly vascular, conglomerate gland, appended to the
alimentary canal, and performs the triple office of (i) excreting bile, (2)
elaborating blood and (3) secreting glycogen.
It is the largest gland in the body, weighing about 4pounds; it is
situated in the right hypochondriac region, arid retained in position by five
ligaments, four of which are formed by duplicatures of the peritoneal in-
vestment.
The proper coat of the liver is a thin but firm fibrous membrane, closely
adherent to the surface of the organ, which it penetrates at the transverse
fissure, and follows the vessels in their ramifications through its substance,
constituting Glisson's capsule.
Structure of the Liver. The liver is made up of a large number of
small bodies, the lobules, rounded or ovoid in shape, measuring the of
an inch in diameter, separated by a space in which are situated blood
vessels, nerves, hepatic ducts and lymphatics.
The lobules are composed of cells, which, when examined microscopi-
cally, exhibit a rounded or polygonal shape, and measure, on the aver-
age, the Yjy6~5 °f an inch in diameter; they possess one, and at times two,
nuclei; they also contain globules of fat, pigment matter, and animal
starch. The cells constitute the secreting structure of the liver, and are the
true hepatic cells.
The Blood vessels which enter the liver are (1) The portal vein,
made up of the gastric, splenic, superior and inferior mesenteric veins ;
(2) the hepatic artery, a branch of the cceliac axis; both of which are
invested by a sheath of areolar tissue; the vessels which leave the liver
LIVER. 74
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY.
are the hepatic veins, originating in its interior, collecting the blood dis-
tributed by the portal vein and hepatic artery, and conducting it to the
ascending vena cava.
Distribution of Vessels. The portal vein and hepatic artery, upon
entering the liver, penetrate its substance, divide into smaller and smaller
branches, occupy the spaces between the lobules, completely surrounding
and limiting them, and constitute the inter-lobular vessels. The hepatic
artery, in its course, gives off branches to the walls of the portal vein and
Glisson’s capsule, and finally empties into the small branches of the portal
vein in the interlobular spaces.
The interlobular vessels form a rich plexus around the lobules, from
which branches pass to neighboring lobules and enter their substance,
where they form a very fine network of capillary vessels, ramifying
over the hepatic cells, in which the various functions of the liver are
performed. The blood is then collected by small veins, converging to-
ward the centre of the lobule, to form the intra-lobular vein, which runs
through its long axis and empties into the sub-lobular vein. The hepatic
veins are formed by the union of the sub-lobular veins, and carry the
blood to the ascending vena cava; their walls are thin and adherent to the
substance of the hepatic tissue.
The Hepatic Ducts or Bile Capillaries originate within the lobules,
in a very fine plexus lying between the hepatic cells; whether the smallest
vessels have distinct membranous walls, or whether they originate in the
spaces between the cells by open orifices, has not been satisfactorily deter-
mined.
The Bile Channels empty into the interlobular ducts, which measure
about °f an inch in diameter, and are composed of a thin homo-
geneous membrane lined by flattened epithelial cells.
As the interlobular bile ducts unite to form larger trunks, they receive
an external coat of fibrous tissue, which strengthens their walls; they
finally unite to form one large duct, the hepatic duct, which joins the cystic
duct; the union of the two forms the ductus communis choledochus, which
is about three inches in length, the size of a goose quill, and opens into
the duodenum.
The Gall Bladder is a pear-shaped sack, about four inches in length,
situated in a fossa on the under surface of the liver. It is a reservoir for
the bile, and is capable of holding about one ounce and a half of fluid. It
is composed of three coats, (i) serous, a reflection of the peritoneum, (2)
fibrous and muscular, (3) mucous. LIVER.
75
(1) Bile. Mechanism of its Secretion. Bile does not preexist in
the blood, but is formed in the interior of the hepatic cells, from materials
derived from the venous as well as arterial blood. The secreted bile is
then taken up by the delicate plexus of vessels, from which it passes into
the larger ducts, and finally either empties into the intestine or is regur-
gitated backward into the gall bladder, in which it is stored up during the
intervals of digestion.
Although the secretion of bile is constantly taking place, it is only when
the food passes into the intestinal canal that this fluid is discharged abund-
antly, under the influence of the contraction of the walls of the gall
bladder; it increases in amount during the period of active digestion, from
the 2d to the 8th hour, and then gradually diminishes.
The Bile is both a secretion and an excretion; it contains new con-
stituents which are formed only in the substance of the liver, and are
destined to play an important part ultimately in nutrition; it contains also
waste ingredients which are discharged into the intestinal canal and
eliminated from the body.
The physical properties and functions of bile have been considered
under the head of digestion (see page 32).
(2) Elaboration of Blood. Besides the capability of secreting bile, the
liver possesses the property of so acting upon and modifying the chemical
composition of the products of digestion, as they traverse its substance, that
they readily assimilate with the blood, and are transformed into materials
capable of being converted into the elements of the blood and solid tissues.
The albuminose particularly. requires the modifying influence of the
liver; for if it be removed from the portal vein and introduced into the
jugular vein, it is at once removed from the blood by the action of the
kidneys.
The blood of the hepatic vein differs from the blood of the portal vein,
in being richer in blood corpuscles, both red and white; its plasma is
more dense, containing a less percentage of water and a greater amount
of solid constituents, but no fibrin; its serum contains less albumen, fat and
salts, but its sugar is increased.
(3) Glycogenic Function. In addition to the two preceding func-
tions, Bernard, in 1848, demonstrated the fact that the liver, during life,
normally produces a sugar-forming substance, analogous in its chemical
composition to starch, which he termed glycogen; also that when the liver
is removed from the body, and its blood vessels thoroughly washed out,
after a few hours, sugar again makes its appearance, in abundance. 76
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY.
It can be shown to exist in the blood of the hepatic vein as well as in
a decoction of the liver substance, by means of either Trommer’s or
Fehling’s tests, even when the blood of the portal vein does not contain a
trace of sugar.
Origin and Destination of Glycogen. Glycogen appears to be
formed de novo in the liver cells, from materials derived from the food,
whether the diet be animal or vegetable, though a larger per cent, is
formed when the animal is fed on starchy and saccharine, than when fed
on animal food. The glucose, which is one of the products of digestion,
is absorbed by the blood vessels, and carried directly into the liver; as it
does not appear in the urine, as it would if injected at once into the general
circulation, it is probable that it is detained in the liver, dehydrated and
stored up as glycogen. The change is shown by the following formula: —
Glucose.
C6II12O6-H2O = C6H10Os.
Water.
Glycogen.
The glycogen thus formed is stored up in the hepatic cells for the
future requirements of the system. When it is carried from the liver it is
again transformed into glucose by the agency of a ferment. Glycogen
does not undergo oxidation in the blood; this takes place in the tissues,
particularly in the muscles, where it generates heat and contributes to the
development of muscular force.
Glycogen, when obtained from the liver, is an amorphous, starch-like
substance, of a white color, tasteless and odorless, and soluble in water;
by boiling with dilute acids, or subjected to the action of an animal
ferment, it is easily converted into glucose. When an excess of sugar is
generated by the liver, it can be found, not only in the blood of the hepatic
vein, but also in other portions of the body; under these circumstances
it is eliminated by the kidneys, appearing in the urine, constituting the
condition of glycosuria.
The nervous system influences the production of the glycogenic
matter; irritation of the medulla oblongata, between the auditory and
pneumogastric nerves, is followed by an increase in the production of
sugar, and its appearance in the urine, which, however, is only temporary.
The Skin, the external investment of the body, is a most complex and
important structure, serving (i) as a protective covering; (2) an organ for
tactile sensibility; (3) an organ for the elimination of excrementitious
matters.
SKIN. APPENDAGES OF THE SKIN.
77
The Amount of Skin investing the body of a man of average size is
about twenty feet, and varies in thickness, in different situations, from the
% to the of an inch.
The skin consists of two principal layers, viz., a deeper portion, the
Corium, and a superficial portion, the Epidermis.
The Corium, or Cutis Vera, may be subdivided into a reticulated and
a papillary layer. The former is composed of white fibrous tissue, non-
striated muscular fibres and elastic tissue, interwoven in every direction,
forming an areolar network, in the meshes of which are deposited masses
of fat, and a structureless amorphous matter; the latter is formed mainly of
club-shaped elevations or projections of the amorphous matter, constituting
the papillae; they are most abundant, and well developed, upon the palms
of the hands and the soles of the feet; they average the of an inch
in length, and may be simple or compound; they are well supplied with
nerves, blood vessels and lymphatics.
The Epidermis or scarf skin is an extra-vascular structure, a product
of the true skin, and composed of several layers of cells. It may be
divided into two layers, the rete mucosum or the Malpighian layer, and
the horny or corneous.
The former closely applies itself to the papillary layer of the true skin,
and is composed of large, nucleated cells, the lowest layer of which, the
“ prickle cells,” contain pigment granules, which give to the skin its
varying tints in different individuals and in different races of men; the
more superficial cells are large, colorless, and semi-transparent. The
latter, the corneous layer, is composed of flattened cells, which, from their
exposure to the atmosphere, are hard and horny in texture; it varies in
thickness from y% of an inch on the palms of the hands and feet, to the
vvjf of an inch in the external auditory canal.
APPENDAGES OF THE SKIN.
Hairs are found in almost all portions of the body, and can be divided
into (i) long, soft hairs, on the head; (2) short, stiff hairs, along the edges
of the eyelids and nostrils; (3) soft, downy hairs, on the general cutane-
ous surface. They consist of a root and a shaft, which is oval in shape,
and about the of an inch in diameter; it consists of fibrous tissue,
covered externally by a layer of imbricated cells, and internally by cells
containing granular and pigment material.
The Root of the hair is embedded in the hair follicle, formed by a tubular
depression of the skin, extending nearly through to the subcutaneous tissue; 78
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY.
its walls are formed by the layers of the corium, covered by epidermic
cells. At the bottom of the follicle is a papillary projection of amorphous
matter, corresponding to a papilla of the true skin, containing blood vessels
and nerves, upon which the hair root rests. The investments of the hair
roots are formed of epithelial cells, constituting the internal and external
root sheaths.
The hair protects the head from the heat of the sun and cold, retains
the heat of the body, prevents the entrance of foreign matter into the lungs,
nose, ears, etc. The color is due to the pigment matter, which, in old age,
becomes more or less whitened.
The Sebaceous Glands, imbedded in the true skin, are simple and
compound racemose glands, opening, by a common excretory duct, upon
the surface of the epidermis or into the hair follicle. They are found in
all portions of the body, most abundantly in the face, and are formed by a
delicate, structureless membrane, lined by flattened polyhedral cells. The
sebaceous glands secrete a peculiar oily matter, the sebum, by which the
skin is lubricated and the hairs softened; it is quite abundant in the region
of the nose and forehead, which often present a greasy, glistening appear-
ance; it consists of water, mineral salts, fatty globules, and epithelial cells.
The Vernix caseosa which frequently covers the surface of the foetus at
birth consists of the residue of the sebaceous matters, containing epithelial
cells and fatty matters; it seems to keep the skin soft and supple, and
guards it from the effects of the long continued action of water.
The Sudoriparous Glands excrete the sweat; they consist of a mass
or coil of a tubular gland duct, situated in the derma and in the sub-
cutaneous tissue; average the -fe of an inch in diameter, and are surrounded
by a rich plexus of capillary blood vessels. From this coil the duct passes
in a straight direction up through the skin to the epidermis, where it makes
a few spiral turns and opens obliquely upon the surface. The sweat
glands consist of a delicate homogeneous membrane lined by epithelial
cells, whose function is to extract from the blood the elements existing in
the perspiration.
The glands are very abundant all over the cutaneous surface, as many
as 3528 to the square inch, according to Erasmus Wilson.
The Perspiration is an excrementitious fluid, clear, colorless, almost
odorless, slightly acid in reaction, with a specific gravity of 1.003 or 1.004.
The total quantity of perspiration excreted daily has been estimated
at about two pounds, though the amount varies with the nature of the food
and drink, exercise, external temperature, season, etc. 79
The elimination of the sweat is not intermittent, but continuous; but
it takes place so gradually that as fast as it is formed it passes off by
evaporation as insensible perspiration. Under exposure to great heat and
exercise the evaporation is not sufficiently rapid, and it appears as sensible
perspiration.
PERSPIRATION,
COMPOSITION OF SWEAT.
Water 995-573
Urea 0.043
Fatty matters 0.014
Alkaline lactates 0.317
Alkaline sudorates 1.562
Inorganic salts 2.491
1000.000
Urea is a constant ingredient.
Carbonic acid is also exhaled from the skin, the amount being about
of that from the lungs.
Perspiration regulates the temperature, and removes waste matters from
the blood ; it is so important, that if elimination be prevented death occurs
in a short time.
The Nervous System influences the secretion of watery vapor by causing
a dilatation of the capillary blood vessels around the tubular coil. It is
increased by mental emotions; section of the sympathetic fibres in the
neck is followed by a copious perspiration; stimulation of the nerves, pro-
ducing contraction of the vessels, is followed by an arrestation of the
elimination of the sweat. 80
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY.
The Nervous System co-ordinates all the various organs and tissues
of the body, and brings the individual into conscious relationship with
external nature by means of sensation, motion, language, mental and moral
manifestations.
The Nervous Tissue may be divided into two systems, viz: the
Cerebro-spinal and the Sympathetic.
(1) The Cerebro-spinal System occupies the cavities of the cranium
and spinal canal, and consists of the brain, the spinal cord, the cranial and
spinal nerves. It is the system of animal life, and presides over the func-
tions of sensation, motion, etc.
(2) The Sympathetic System, situated along each side of the spinal
column, consists (1) of a double chain of ganglia, united together by nerve
cords, which extends from the base of the cranium to the coccyx; (2) of
various ganglia, situated in the head and face, thorax, abdomen, pelvis,
etc. All the ganglia are united together by numerous communicating
fibres, many of which anastomose with the fibres of the cerebro-spinal
system. It is the nervous system of organic life, and governs the functions
of nutrition, growth, etc.
Nervous Tissue is composed of two kinds of matter, the gray and
■white, which differ in their color, structure and physiological endowments;
the former consists of vesicles or cells which receive and generate nerve
force; the latter consists of fibres which simply conduct it, either from the
periphery to the centre or the reverse.
Structure of Gray Matter. The gray matter, found on the surface of
the brain in the convolutions, in the interior of the spinal cord, and in the
various ganglia of the cerebro-spinal and sympathetic nervous systems,
consists of a fine connective-tissue stroma, the neuroglia, in the meshes of
which are embedded the gray cells or vesicles.
The cells are grayish in color, and consist of a delicate investing cap-
sule containing a soft, granular, albuminous matter, a nucleus, and some-
times a nucleolus. Some of the cells are spherical or oval in shape, while
others have an interrupted outline, on account of having one, two, or more
processes issuing from them, constituting the uni-polar, bi-polar or multi-
polar nerve cells. Cells vary in size; the smallest being found in the brain,
the largest in the anterior horns of gray matter of the spinal cord. Some of
NERVOUS SYSTEM. NERVOUS SYSTEM.
81
the cell processes become continuous with the fibres of the white matter,
while others anastomose with those of adjoining cells and form a plexus.
Structure of the White Matter. The white matter, found for the
most part in the interior of the brain, on the surface of the spinal cord, and
in almost all the nerves of the cerebro-spinal and sympathetic systems,
consists of minute tubules or fibres, the ultimate nerve filaments, which
in the perfectly fresh condition, are apparently structureless and homoge-
neous; but when carefully examined after death are seen to consist of three
distinct portions, (i) a tubular membrane; (2) the white substance of
Schwann; (3) the axis cylinder.
The Tubular membrane, investing the nerve filament, is thin, homo-
geneous, and lined by large, oval nuclei, and presents, in its course, annu-
lar constrictions; it serves to keep the internal parts of the fibre in position,
and protects them from injury.
The White substance of Schwann, or the medullary layer, is situated
immediately within the tubular membrane, and gives to the nerves their
peculiar white and glistening appearance. It is composed of oleaginous
matter in a more or less fluid condition; after death it undergoes coagula-
tion, giving to the fibre a knotted or varicose appearance. It serves to
insulate the axis cylinder, and prevents the diffusion of the nerve force.
The Axis cylinder occupies the centre of the medullary substance. In
the natural condition it is transparent and invisible, but when treated with
proper reagents, it presents itself as a pale, granular, flattened band,
albuminous in character, more or less solid, and somewhat elastic. It is
composed of a number of minute fibrillas united together to form a single
bundle. (Schultze.)
Nerve fibres in which these three structural elements coexist are known
as the medullated nerve fibres. In the sympathetic system, and in the
gray substance of the cerebro-spinal system, many nerves are destitute of a
medullary layer, and are known as the non-medullated nerve fibres.
Gray or Gelatinous nerve fibres, found principally in the sympathetic
system, are gray in color, semi-transparent, flattened, with distinct borders,
finely granular, and present oval nuclei.
The diameter of the gelatinous fibres is about the of an inch; of
the medullated fibres, from to T of an inch.
Ganglia are small bodies, varying considerably in size, situated on the
posterior roots of spinal nerves, on the sensory cranial nerves, alongside
of the vertebral column, forming a connected chain, and in the different
viscera. They consist of a dense, investing, fibrous membrane, containing 82
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY.
in its interior gray or vesicular cells, among which are found white and gela-
tinous nerve fibres. They may be regarded as independent nerve centres.
Structures of Nerves. Nerves are rounded or flattened cords extend-
ing from the centres to the periphery; they are surrounded externally by
a sheath, the neurilemma, composed of fibrous and elastic tissue forming
a stroma, in which blood vessels ramify, from which the nerves derive
their nourishment.
A Nerve consists of a greater or less number of ultimate nerve filaments,
separated into bundles by fibrous septa given off from the neurilemma. The
nerve filaments pursue an uninterrupted course, from their origin to their
termination; branches pass from one nerve trunk into the sheath of another,
but there is no anastomosis or coalescence with adjoining nerve fibres.
A Plexus is formed by a number of branches of different nerves inter-
lacing in every direction, in the most intricate manner, but from which
fibres are again given off to pursue their independent course, e. g., brachial,
cervical, lumbar, sacral, cardiac plexuses, etc.
SPINAL NERVES.
Origin. The spinal nerves are thirty-one in number on each side of
the spinal cord, and arise by two roots, an anterior and posterior, from the
anterior and posterior aspects of the cord respectively; the posterior roots
present near their emergence from the cord a small ganglionic enlargement;
outside of the spinal canal the two roots unite to form a main trunk, which
is ultimately distributed to the skin, muscles and viscera.
The Function of the Anterior Roots is to transmit motor impulses
from the centres outward to the periphery. Irritation of these roots, from
whatever cause, excites convulsive movements in the muscles to which
they are distributed; disease or division of these roots induces a condition
of paresis or paralysis.
The Function of the Posterior Roots is to transmit the impressions
made upon the periphery to the centres in the spinal cord, where they
excite motor impulses, or to the brain, in which they are translated into
conscious sensations. Irritation of these roots gives rise to painful sensa-
tions ; division of the roots abolishes all sensation in the parts to which
they are distributed.
The ganglion on the posterior root influences the nutrition of the sen-
sory nerve; for if the nerve be separated from the ganglion, it undergoes
degeneration in the course of a few days, in the direction in which it
carries impressions, i. e., from the periphery to the centres; if the nerve be SPINAL NERVES.
83
divided between the ganglion and the cord, the central end only undergoes
degeneration. The nutrition of the anterior root is governed by nerve
cells in the gray matter of the cord; for if these cells undergo atrophy, or
if the nerve be divided, it undergoes degeneration outward.
Nerve Terminations, (i) Central. Both motor and sensory nerve
fibres, as they enter the spinal cord and brain, lose their external invest-
ments, and retaining only the axis cylinder, ultimately become connected
with the processes of the gray cells.
(2) Peripheral. As the nerves approach the tissues to which they are
to be distributed, they inosculate freely, forming a plexus from which the
ultimate fibres proceed to individual tissues.
Motor Nerves. In the voluntary or striped muscles the motor nerves
are connected with the contractile substance by means of the “ tnotorial
end plates;" when the nerve enters the muscular fibre the tubular mem-
brane blends with the sarcolemma, the medullary layer disappears, and
the axis cylinder spreads out into the form of a little plate, granular in
character, and containing oval nuclei.
In the unstriped or involuntary muscles, the terminal nerve fibres form
a plexus on the muscular fibre cells, and become connected with the
granular contents of the nuclei.
In the glands nerve fibres have been traced to the glandular cells, where
they form a branching plexus from which fibres pass into their interior and
become connected with their substance, and thus influence secretion.
Sensitive Nerves terminate in the skin and mucous membranes, in
three distinct modes, e.g., as tactile corpuscles, Pacinian corpuscles, and
as end bulbs.
The tactile corpuscles are found in the papillae of the true skin, espe-
cially on the palmar surface of the hands and fingers, feet and toes; they
are oblong bodies, measuring about of an inch in length, consisting
of a' central bulb of homogeneous connective tissue surrounded by elastic
fibres and elongated nuclei. The nerve fibre approaches the base of the
corpuscle, makes two or three spiral turns around it, and terminates in
loops. They are connected with the sense of touch.
The Pacinian corpuscles are found chiefly in the subcutaneous cellular
tissue, on the nerves of the hands and feet, the intercostal nerves, the
cutaneous nerves, and in many other situations. They are oval in shape,
measure about the g of an inch in length on the average, and consist of
concentric layers of connective tissue; the nerve fibre penetrates the cor-
puscle and terminates in a rounded knob in the central bulb. Their
function is unknown. 84
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY.
The end bulbs of Krause are formed of a capsule of connective tissue in
wrhich the nerve fibre terminates in a coiled mass or bulbous extremity;
they exist in the conjunctiva, tongue, glans penis, clitoris, etc.
Many sensitive nerves terminate in the papillae at the base of the hair
follicle; but in the skin, mucous membranes, and organs of special sense
their mode of termination is not well understood.
PROPERTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF NERVES.
Classification. Nerves may be divided into two groups, viz.:—
(1) Afferent or centripetal, as when they convey to the nerve centres the
impressions which are made upon their peripheral extremities or parts of
their course. They may be sensitive, when they transmit impressions which
give rise to sensations; reflective or excitant, when the impression carried
to the nerve centre is reflected outward by an efferent nerve and produces
motion or some other effect in the part to which the nerve is distributed.
(2) Efferent or centi-ifugal, as when the impulses generated in the
centres are transmitted outward to the muscles and various organs. They
may be motor, as when they convey impulses to the voluntary and invol-
untary muscles; vaso-motor, when they regulate the calibre of the small
blood vessels, increasing or diminishing the amount of blood to a part;
secretory, when they influence secretion; trophic, when they influence
nutrition; inhibitory, when they conduct impulses which produce a re-
straining or inhibiting action.
The Axis Cylinder is the essential conducting agent, the white substance
of Schwann and tubular membrane being probably accessory structures,
protecting the axis from injury, and preventing the diffusion of nerve force
to adjoining nerves.
The properties of sensation and motion reside in different nerve fibres.
Motor nerves can be destroyed or paralyzed by the introduction of woorara
under the skin, without affecting sensation; the sensibility of nerves can be
abolished by the employment of anaesthetics without destroying motion.
Irritability. Nerves conduct peripheral impressions to the centres, and
motor impulses to the periphery, in virtue of their possessing an ultimate
and inherent property, denominated neurility, nervous irritability, or
excitability, which is manifested as long as the physical and chemical integ-
rity of the nerve is maintained.
Nerve degeneration. When nerves are separated from their trophic or
nutritive centres, they degenerate progressively in the direction in which
they conduct impressions. In motor nerves, from the centre to the pe-
riphery ; in sensory nerves, from the periphery to the centres. PROPERTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF NERVES
85
Nerveforce is not identical with electricity. Nerves do not possess the
power of generating force, or of originating impulses within themselves,
but propagate only the nervous impulses which are called forth by chemi-
cal, physical and mechanical stimuli from without, and by volitional acts,
normal and pathological conditions from within.
Phenomena of Muscles and Nerves. The muscles are the motor
organs of the body and constitute a large per cent, of the body weight.
Muscles are of two kinds, striated and non-striated or involuntary. The
striated muscles consist of bundles of fibres, the fasciculi, held together
by connective tissue. Each muscle fibre is about to inches long,
and possesses a delicate homogeneous membrane, the sarcolemma, in the
interior of which is contained the contractile substance, which presents a
striated appearance. During life this substance is in a fluid condition, but
after death undergoes stiffening.
The non-striated muscles form membranes which surround cavities, e. g.,
stomach, arteries, bladder, etc. They are composed of elongated cells
without striations and contain in their interior one or more nuclei.
Muscular tissue is composed of water, an organic contractile substance,
myosin, non-nitrogenized substances, such as glycogen, inosite, fat, and
inorganic salts. When at rest the muscle is alkaline in reaction, but
during and after contraction it becomes acid.
Muscles possess the properties of (i) Contractility, which is the capa-
bility of shortening themselves in the direction of their long axis, and at
the same time becoming thicker and more rigid. (2) Extensibility, by
means of which they are lengthened in proportion to weights attached.
(3) Elasticity, in virtue of which they return to their original shape when
the force applied is removed.
The contractility of muscles is called forth mainly by nervous impulses,
descending motor nerves, which originate in the central nervous system ;
but it can also be excited by the electric current, the application of strong
acids, heat, or by mechanical means.
Phenomena of a Muscular Contraction. When a single induc-
tion shock is propagated through a nerve, the muscle to which it is dis-
tributed undergoes a quick pulsation, and speedily returns to its former
condition. As is shown by the muscle curve, the contraction, which is at first
slow, increases in rapidity to its maximum, gradually relaxes and is again
at rest, the entire pulsation not occupying more than the -fa of a second.
The muscular contraction does not instantly follow the induction shock,
even when the electrodes are placed directly upon the muscular fibres
themselves; an appreciable period intervenes before the contraction, 86
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY.
during which certain chemical changes are taking place preparatory to the
manifestation of force. This is the “ latent period,” which has an average
duration of the of a second, but varies with the temperature, the strength
of the stimulus, the animal, etc. The muscular movements of the body,
however, are occasioned by contractions of a much longer duration,
depending upon the number (the average, 20) of nervous impulses passing
to the muscles in a second.
During the muscular contraction the following phenomena are observed,
viz : a change in form, a rise in temperature, a consumption of oxygen and
an evolution of carbonic acid; the production of a distinct musical sound,
a change from an alkaline to an acid reaction, from the development of
sarcolactic acid; a disappearance of the natural muscle currents, which
undergo a negative variation in the “ latent period,” just after the nervous
impulse reaches the termination of the nerve, and before the appearance of
the muscular contraction wave.
Electrical Properties of Nerves. When a galvanic current is made
to flow along a motor nerve from the centre to the periphery, from
the positive to the negative pole, it is known as the direct, descending or
centrifugal current. When it is made to flow in the reverse direction it is
known as the inverse, ascending or centripetal current.
The passage of a direct current enfeebles the excitability of a nerve; the
passage of the inverse current increases it. The excitability of a nerve
may be exhausted by the repeated applications of electricity ; when thus
exhausted it may be restored by repose, or by the passage of the inverse
current if the nerve has been exhausted by the direct current or vice versa.
During the actual passage of a feeble constant current in either direction
neither pain nor muscular contraction is ordinarily manifested; if the
current be very intense the nerve may be disorganized and its excitability
destroyed.
Electrotonus. The passage of a direct galvanic current through a por-
tion of a nerve excites in the parts beyond the electrodes a condition of
electric tension or electrotonus, during which the excitability of the nerve
is decreased near the anode or positive pole, and increased near the kathode
or negative pole; the increase of excitability in the kathelectrotonic area,
that nearest the muscle, being manifested by a more marked contraction
of the muscle than the normal, when the nerve is irritated in this region.
The passage of an invej-se galvanic current excites the same condition
of electrotonus; and the diminution of excitability near the anode, the
anelectrotonic area, that now nearest the muscle, being manifested by a
less marked contraction than the normal when the nerve is stimulated in CRANIAL NERVES.
87
this region. Between the electrodes is a neutral point where the kath-
electrotonic area emerges into the anelectrotonic area. If the current be
a strong one, the neutral point approaches the kathode; if weak, it ap-
proaches the anode.
When a nervous impulse passes along a nerve, the only appreciable
effect is a change in its electrical condition, there being no change in its
temperature, chemical composition or physical condition. The natural
nerve currents, which are always present in a living nerve as a result
of its nutritive activity, in great part disappear during the passage of an
impulse, undergoing a negative variation.
The rapidity with which nervous impulses are propagated along a nerve
has been estimated at about 100 feet in a second for both motor and
sensory nerves, but varies according to the temperature, the degree of
excitability, the strength of the stimulus, etc.
Law of Contraction. If a feeble galvanic current be applied to a
recent and excitable nerve, contraction is produced in the muscles only
upon the making of the circuit with both the direct and inverse current.
If the current be moderate in intensity, the contraction is produced in
the muscle both upon the making and breaking of the circuit, with both
the direct and inverse currents.
If the current be intense, contraction is produced only when the circuit
is made with the direct current, and only when it is broken with the
inverse current.
CRANIAL NERVES
The Cranial Nerves come off from the base of the brain, pass through
the foramina in the walls of the cranium, and are distributed to the skin,
muscles and organs of sense in the face and head.
According to the classification of Soemmering, there are 12 pairs of
nerves, enumerating them from before backward, as follows, viz.:—
1st Pair, or Olfactory.
2d Pair, or Optic.
3d Pair, or Motor oculi communis.
4th Pair, or Patheticus, Trochlearis.
5th Pair, or Trifacial, Trigeminus.
6th Pair, or Abducens.
7th Pair, or Facial, Portio dura.
8th Pair, or Auditory, Portio mollis.
9th Pair, or Glosso-pharyngeal.
10th Pair, or Pneumogastric.
1 ith Pair, or Spinal accessory.
12th Pair, or Hypoglossal.
The Cranial Nerves may also be classified physiologically, according
to their function, into three groups: I. Nerves of special sense. 2. Nerves
of motion. 3. Nerves of general sensibility. 88
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY.
ist Pair. Olfactory.
Apparent Origin. From the inferior and internal portion of the an-
terior lobes of the cerebrum by three roots, viz.: an external white root,
which passes across the fissure of Sylvius to the middle lobe of the cere-
brum ; an internal white root, from the most posterior part of the anterior
lobe; a gray root, from the gray matter in the posterior and inner portion
of the inferior surface of the anterior lobe.
Deep Origin. Not satisfactorily determined.
Distribution. The olfactory nerve, formed by the union of the three
roots, passes forward along the under surface of the anterior lobe to the
ethmoid bone, where it expands into the olfactory bulb. This bulb con-
tains ganglionic cells, is grayish in color and soft in consistence; it gives
off" from its under surface from 15 to 20 nerve filaments, the true olfactory
nerves, which pass through the cribriform plate of the ethmoid bone, and
are distributed to the Schneiderian mucous membrane. This membrane
extends from the cribriform plate of the ethmoid bone downward, about
one inch.
Properties. The olfactory nerves give rise to neither motor nor sensory
phenomena when stimulated. They carry simply the special impressions of
odorous substances. Destruction or injury of the olfactory bulbs is attended
by a loss of the sense of smell.
Function. Governs the sense of smell. Conducts the impressions
which give rise to odorous sensations.
Apparent Origin. From the anterior portion of the optic commissure.
Deep Origin. An external white root, from the corpus geniculatum
externum; an internal white root, from the corpus geniculatum internum
and the anterior tubercula quadrigemina; a gray root, from the gray matter
in the floor of the 3d ventricle. Filaments also come from the optic thal-
ami and cerebral peduncles.
Distribution. The two roots unite to form a flattened band, the optic
tract, which winds around the crus cerebri to decussate with the nerve of
the opposite side, forming the optic chiasm. The decussation of fibres is
not complete; some of the fibres of the left optic tract going to the outer
half of the eye of the same side, and to the inner half of the eye of the
opposite side; the same holds true for the right optic tract.
The optic nerves proper arise from the commissure, pass forward through
the optic foramina, and are finally distributed in the retina.
2d Pair. Optic. Pages 89-104 missing FUNCTIONS OF THE SPINAL CORD.
105
Division of the posterior columns impairs the power of muscular co-
ordination, such as is witnessed in locomotor ataxia.
The gray matter is probably both insensible and inexcitable under the
influence of direct stimulation.
A transverse section of one lateral half of the cord produces:—
• (i) On the same side, paralysis of voluntary motion and a relative or
absolute elevation of temperature and an increased flow of blood in the
paralyzed parts; hypersesthesia for the sense of contact, tickling, pain and
temperature.
(2) On the opposite side, complete anaesthesia as regards contact, and
tickling and temperature, in the parts corresponding to those which are
paralyzed in the opposite side. Complete preservation of voluntary power
and of the muscular sense.
A vertical section through the middle of the gray matter results in the
loss of sensation on both sides of the body below the section, but no loss
of voluntary power.
FUNCTIONS OF THE SPINAL CORD
i. As a Conductor. The Lateral columns, particularly the posterior
portions, the “ pyramidal tracts,” and the columns of Tiirck, are the
channels through which pass the voluntary motor impulses from the brain
to the large multipolar nerve cells in the anterior cornuse of gray matter,
and through them become connected with the anterior roots which transmit
the motor stimuli to the muscles.
The Anterior columns, especially the portion surrounding the anterior
cornuse, tl?e “ anterior radicular zones,” are composed of short longitudinal
commissural fibres, which serve to connect together different segments of
the spinal cord, a condition required for the coordination of muscular
movements.
The Posterior columns are composed of short and long commissural
fibres which connect together different segments of the cord. They are
insensible to direct irritation, but aid in the coordination of muscular move-
ments in walking, standing, running, etc. Degeneration of the posterior
columns gives rise to the lack of muscular coordination observed in loco-
motor ataxia.
The Gray matter, and especially that portion immediately surrounding
the central canal, transmits the sensory nerve fibres from the posterior
roots up to the brain. Decussation of the sensory fibres takes place
throughout the whole length of the gray matter. 106
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY.
The Multipolar cells of the anterior cornuce are connected with the gen-
eration and transmission of motor impulses outward ; are centres for reflex
movements; are the trophic centres for the motor nerves and muscular
fibres to which they are distributed. The anterior roots give passage to
the vaso-constrictor and vaso-dilator fibres which exert an influence upon
the calibre of the blood vessels. Complete destruction of the anterior
horns is followed by a paralysis of motion, degeneration of the anterior
roots, atrophy of muscles and bones and an abolition of reflex movements.
2. As an Independent Nerve Centre.
The spinal cord, by virtue of its containing ganglionic nerve matter, is
capable of transforming impressions made upon the centripetal nerves into
motor impulses, which are reflected outward through centrifugal nerves to
muscles, producing movements. These reflex movements taking place
through the gray matter, are independent of sensation and volition.
The mechanism involved in every reflex act is a sentient surface, a
sensory nerve, a nerve centre, a motor nerve and muscle.
The reflex excitability of the cord may be—
(i) Increased by disease of the lateral columns, the administration of
strychnia, and in frogs, by a separation of the cord from the brain, the
latter apparently exerting an inhibitory influence over the former and de-
pressing its reflex activity.
2. Inhibited by destructive lesions of the cord, e. g., locomotor ataxia,
atrophy of the anterior cornuse, the administration of various drugs, and, in
the frog, by irritation of certain regions of the brain. When the cerebrum
alone is removed and the optic lobes stimulated, the time elapsing between
the application of an irritant to a sensory surface and the resulting move-
ment will be considerably prolonged. The optic lobes (Setchenow’s centre)
apparently generating impulses which, descending the cord, retard its
reflex movements.
All movements taking place through the nervous system are of this reflex
character, and may be divided into excilo-motor, sensori-motor and ideo-
motor.
Classification of Reflex Movements. (Kiiss.) They may be divided
into four groups, according to the route through which the centripetal and
centrifugal impulses pass.
1. Those normal reflex acts, e. g., deglutition, coughing, sneezing, walk-
ing, etc., pathological reflex acts, e.g., tetanus, vomiting, epilepsy, which
take place both centripetally and centrifugally, through spinal nerves.
2. Reflex acts which take place in a centripetal direction through a 107
cerebro-spinal sensory nerve, and in a centrifugal direction through a sym-
pathetic motor nerve, usually a vaso-motor nerve, e.g., the normal reflex
acts, which give rise to most of the secretions, pallor and blushing of the
skin, certain movements of the iris, certain modifications in the beat of the
heart; the pathological, which, on account of the difficulty in explaining
their production, are termed metastatic, e. g., ophthalmia, coryza, orchitis,
which depend on a reflex hypersemia; amaurosis, paralysis, paraplegia,
etc., due to a reflex anaemia.
3. Reflex movements, in which the centripetal impulse passes through a
sympathetic nerve, and the centrifugal through a cerebro-spinal nerve ;
most of these phenomena are pathological, e. g., convulsions from intestinal
irritation produced by the presence of worms, eclampsia, hysteria, etc.
4. Reflex actions, in which both the centripetal and centrifugal impulses
pass through filaments of the sympathetic nervous system, e. g., those ob-
scure reflex actions which preside over the secretions of the intestinal
fluids, which unite the phenomena of the generative organs, the dilatation
of the pupils from intestinal irritation (worms), and many pathological
phenomena.
Laws of Reflex Action. (Pfliiger.)
1. Law of Unilaterality. If a feeble irritation be applied to one or
more sensory nerves, movement takes place usually on one side only, and
that upon the same side as the irritation.
2. Law of Symmetry. If the irritation becomes sufficiently intense,
motor reaction is manifested, in addition, in corresponding muscles of the
opposite side of the body.
3. Law of Intensity. Reflex movements are usually more intense on
the side of the irritation ; at times the movements of the opposite side
equal them in intensity, but they are usually less pronounced.
4. Law of Radiation. If the excitation still continues to increase, it is
propagated upward, and motor reaction takes place through centrifugal
nerves coming from segments of the cord higher up.
5. Law of Generalization. When the irritation becomes very intense,
it is propagated to the medulla oblongata; motor reaction then becomes
general, and is propagated up and down the cord, so that all the muscles
of the body are thrown into action, the medulla oblongata acting as a focus
whence radiate all reflex movements.
Special Centres in the Spinal Cord.
Genito-spinal centre. In the lower portion of the spinal cord are
located the centres which control the sphincter muscles of the rectum and
FUNCTIONS OF THE SPINAL CORD. 108
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY.
bladder, the erection of the penis, the emission of the semen, the action of
the uterus during parturition, etc.
Cilio-spinal centre. Situated in the spinal cord between the 6th cervical
and 2d dorsal nerves; stimulation of the cord in this situation produces a
dilatation of both pupils through filaments of the sympathetic, which take
their origin from this region of the cord.
Throughout the spinal cord are situated numerous centres which preside
over the following reflexes, viz: —
The patellar tendon reflex takes place through the segments from which
arise the 2d, 3d and 4th lumbar nerves; the cremasteric reflex through the
segment from which arise the xst and 2d lumbar nerves; the abdominal
reflex through the segments between the 8th and 12th dorsal nerves; the
epigastric reflex through the segments from which arise the 4th, 5th and
6th dorsal nerves.
Paralysis from Disease of the Spinal Cord.
Seat of Lesion. If it be in the lower part of the sacral canal, there is
paralysis of the compressor urethrae, accelerator urinae, and sphincter ani
muscles; no paralysis of the muscles of the leg.
At the upper limit of the sacral region. Paralysis of the muscles of
*he bladder, rectum and anus; loss of sensation and motion in the muscles
of the legs, except those supplied by the anterior crural and obturator,
viz: psoas iliacus, Sartorius, pectineus, adductor longus, magnus and
brevis, obturator, vastus externus and internus, etc.
At the upper limit of the lumbar region. Sensation and motion para-
lyzed in both legs; loss of power over the rectum and bladder; paralysis
of the muscular walls of the abdomen interfering with expiratory move-
ments.
At the lower portion of the cervical region. Paralysis of the legs, etc.,
as above; in addition, paralysis of all the intercostal muscles and conse-
sequent interference with respiratory movements; paralysis of muscles of
the upper extremities, except those of the shoulders.
Above the middle of the cervical region. In addition to the preceding,
difficulty of deglutition and vocalization, contraction of the pupils, paralysis
of the diaphragm, scalene muscles, intercostals, and many of the accessory
respiratory muscles; death resulting immediately, from arrest of respiratory
movements.
Anterior half of spinal cord. Paraplegia developing symmetrically.
Posterior half of spinal cord. Characteristic symptoms of locomotor
ataxia or tabes dorsalis. MEDULLA OBLONGATA.
109
In the gray substance in the vicinity of the central canal and anterior
horns. If the lesion be acute, symptoms characteristic of acute spinal
paralysis manifest themselves; if chronic, symptoms characteristic of
progressive muscular atrophy.
MEDULLA OBLONGATA.
The Medulla Oblongata is the expanded portion of the upper part of
the spinal cord. It is pyramidal in form and measures one and a half
inches in length, three-quarters of an inch in breadth, half an inch in
thickness, and is divided into two lateral halves by the anterior and pos-
View of Cerebellum in section, and of Fourth Ventricle, with the neighboring parts.
(Front Sappey.)
i. Median groove fourth ventricle, ending below in the calamus scriptorius, with
the longitudinal eminences formed by the fasciculi teretes, one on each side. 2. The same
groove, at the place where the white streaks of the auditory nerve emerge from it to
cross the floor of the ventricle. 3. Inferior peduncle of the cerebellum, formed by the
restiform body. 4. Posterior pyramid, above this is the calamus scriptorius. 5. Supe-
rior peduncle of cerebellum, or processus e cerebello ad testes. 6 6. Fillet to the side
of the crura cerebri. 7 7. Lateral grooves of the crura cerebri. 8. Corpora quad-
rigemina.—After Hirschfeld and Leveille.
terior median fissures, which are continuous with those of the cord. Each
half is again subdivided by minor grooves, into four columns, viz : anterior
pyramid, lateral tract and olivary body, restiform body and posterior
pyramid. 110
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY.
1. The anterior pyramid is composed partly of fibres continuous with
those of the anterior column of the spinal cord; but mainly of fibres derived
from the lateral tract of the opposite side, by decussation. The united fibres
then pass upward through the pons Varolii and crura cerebri, and for the
most part terminate in the corpus striatum and cerebrum.
2. The lateral tract is continuous with the lateral columns of the cord;
its fibres in passing upward take three directions, viz: an external bundle
joins the restiform body, and passes into the cerebellum ; an internal bundle
decussates at the median line and joins the opposite anterior pyramid ; a
middle bundle ascends beneath the olivary body, behind the pons, to the
cerebrum, as the fasciculus teres.
The olivary body of each side is an oval mass, situated between the
anterior pyramid and restiform body ; it is composed of white matter ex-
ternally and gray matter internally, forming the corpus dentatum.
3. The restiform body, continuous with the posterior column of the cord,
also receives fibres from the lateral column. As the restiform bodies pass
upward they diverge and form a space, the 4th ventricle, the floor of which
is formed by gray matter, and then turn backward and enter the cerebellum.
4. The posterior pyramid is a narrow, white cord bordering the posterior
median fissure; it is continued upward, in connection with the fasciculus
teres, to the cerebrum.
The Gray Matter of the medulla is continuous with that of the cord.
It is arranged with much less regularity, becoming blended with the white
matter of the different columns, with the exception of the anterior. By
the separation of the posterior columns, the transverse commissure is
exposed, forming part of the floor of the 4th ventricle; special collections
of gray matter are found in the posterior portions of the medulla, connected
with the roots of origin of different cranial nerves.
Properties and Functions. The medulla is excitable anteriorly,
and sensitive posteriorly to direct irritation. It serves (1) as a conductor
of sensitive impressions upward from the cord, through the gray matter to
the cerebrum; (2) as a conductor of voluntary impulses from the brain to
the spinal cord and nerves, through its anterior pyramids; (3) as a con-
ductor of coordinating impulses from the cerebellum, through the restiform
bodies to the spinal cord.
As an Independent Reflex Centre. The medulla oblongata con-
tains special collections of gray matter, which constitute independent
nerve centres which preside over different functions, some of which are
as follows, viz :—- MEDULLA OBLONGATA.
111
1. A centre which controls the movements of mastication, through affer-
ent and efferent nerves. (See page 24.)
2. A centre reflecting impressions which influence the secretion of saliva.
(See page 25.)
3. A centre for deglutition, whence are derived motor stimuli exciting to
action and coordinating the muscles of the palate, pharynx and oesophagus,
necessary for the swallowing of the food.
NERVOUS CIRCLE OF DEGLUTITION, (ad and 3d Stages.)
Excitor
or
Centripetal
Nerves.
Palatal branch of 5 th pair.
Pharyngeal branches of the glosso-pharyngeal.
Superior laryngeal branches of the pneumogastric.
CEsophageal branches of the pneumogastric.
Pharyngeal branches of the pneumogastric, derived
from the spinal accessory.
Hypoglossal and branches of the cervical plexus.
Inferior or recurrent laryngeal.
Motor filaments of the 3d division of the 5th pair.
Portio dura.
Motor
or
Centrifugal
Nerves.
4. A centre which coordinates the muscles concerned in the act of
vomiting.
5. A Speech centre, coordinating the various muscles necessary for the
accomplishment of articulation through the hypoglossal, facial nerves and
the 2d the 5th pair.
6. A centre for the harmonization of muscles concerned in expression,
reflecting its impulses through the facial nerve.
7. A Cardiac centre, which exerts (1) an accelerating influence over the
heart’s pulsations through accelerating nerve fibres emerging from the cer-
vical portion of the cord, entering the inferior cervical ganglion, and thence
passing to the heart; (2) an inhibitory or retarding influence upon the
action of the heart, through fibres of the spinal accessory nerve running in
the trunk of the pneumogastric.
8. A Vaso-motor centre, which, by alternately contracting and dilating the
blood vessels through nerves distributed in their walls, regulates the quantity
of blood distributed to an organ or tissue, and thus influences nutrition, secre-
tion and calorification. The vaso-motor centre is situated in the medulla
oblongata and pons Varolii, between the corpora quadrigemina and the
calamus scriptorius. The vaso-motor fibres having their origin in this
centre descend through the interior of the cord, emerge through the anterior
roots of spinal nerves, enter the ganglia of the sympathetic, and thence 112
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY.
pass to the walls of the blood vessels, and maintain the arterial tonus;
they may be divided into two classes, viz: vaso-dilators, e. g., chorda
tympani, and vaso-constrictors, e. g., sympathetic fibres.
Division of the cord at the lower border of the medulla is followed by
a dilatation of the entire vascular system and a marked fall of the blood
pressure. Galvanic stimulation of the divided surface of the cord is fol-
lowed by a contraction of the blood vessels and a rise in the blood pressure.
9. A Diabetic centre, irritation of which causes an increase in the
amount of urine secreted, and the appearance of a considerable quantity
of sugar.
10. A Respiratory centre, situated near the origin of the pneumogastric
nerves, presides over the movements of respiration and its modifications,
laughing, sighing, sobbing, sneezing, etc. It may be excited refiexly by
the presence of carbonic acid in the lungs irritating the terminal pneumo-
gastric filaments; or automatically, according to the character of the blood
circulating through it; an excess of carbonic acid or a diminution of oxygen
increasing the numbe r of respiratory movements; a reverse condition di-
minishing the respiratory movements.
11. A Spasm centre, stimulation of which gives rise to convulsive phe-
nomena.
NERVOUS CIRCLE OF RESPIRATION (ENTIRELY REFLEX).
Pulmonary branches of the pneumogastric.
Superior laryngeal.
Trifacial, or 5th pair.
Nerves of general sensibility.
Sympathetic nerve.
Excitor
or
Centripetal
Nerves.
Motor
or
Centrifugal
Nerves.
Phrenic, distributed to the diaphragm.
Intercostals, distributed to the intercostal muscles.
Facial nerve, or portio dura, to the facial muscles.
External branch of spinal accessory, to the trapezius
and sterno-cleido-mastoid muscles.
The Pons Varolii unites together the cerebrum above, the cerebellum
behind, and the medulla oblongata below. It consists of transverse and
longitudinal fibres, amidst which are irregularly scattered collections of
gray or vesicular nervous matter.
The transverse fibres unite the two lateral halves of the cerebellum.
PONS VAROLII. CRURA CEREBRI.
113
The longitudinal fibres are continuous (i) with the anterior pyramids of
the medulla oblongata, which interlacing with the deep layers of the
transverse fibres, ascend to the crura cerebri, forming their superficial or
fasciculated portions; (2) with fibres derived from the olivary fasciculus,
some of which pass to the tubercula quadrigemina, while others, uniting
with fibres from the lateral and posterior columns of the medulla, ascend
in the deep or posterior portions of the crura cerebri.
Properties and Functions, The superficial portion is insensible and
inexcitable to direct irritation; the deeper portions appear to be excitable,
consisting of descending motor fibres; the posterior portions are sensible
but inexcitable to irritation.
Transmits motor impulses and sensory impressions from and to the
cerebrum.
The gray ganglionic matter consists of centres which convert impres-
sions into conscious sensations, and originate motor impulses, these taking
place independent of any intellectual process; they are the seat of instinct-
ive reflex acts; the centres which assist in the co-ordination of the auto-
matic movements of station and progression.
CRURA CEREBRI.
The Crura Cerebri are largely composed of the longitudinal fibres of
the pons (anterior pyramids, fasciculi teretes); after emerging from the
pons they increase in size, and become separated into two portions by a
layer of dark gray matter, the locus niger.
The superficial portion, the crusta, composed of the anterior pyramids,
constitutes the motor tract, which terminates, for the most part, in the
corpus striatum, but to some extent, also, in the cerebrum; the deep por-
tion,, made up of the fasciculi teretes and posterior pyramids and accessory
fibres from the cerebellum, constitute the sensory tract (the tegmentum),
whieh terminates in the optic thalamus and cerebrum.
Function. The crura are conductors of motor impulses and sensory
impressions; the gray matter, the locus niger, assists in the coSrdination of
the complicated movements of the eyeball and iris, through the motor oculi
communis nerve. They also assist in the harmonization of general muscu-
lar movements; section of one crus giving rise to peculiar movements of
rotation and somersaults forward and backward. 114
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY.
CORPORA QUADRIGEMINA.
The Corpora Quadrigemina are four small, rounded eminences, two
en each side of the median line, situated immediately behind the third
ventricle, and beneath the posterior border of the corpus callosum.
The anterior tubercles are oblong from before backward, and larger
than the posterior, which are hemispherical in shape ; they are grayish in
color, but consist of white matter externally and gray matter internally.
Both the anterior and posterior tubercles are connected with the optic
thalami by commissural bands named the anterior and posterior brachia,
respectively. They receive fibres from the olivary fasciculus and fibres from
the cerebellum, which pass upward to enter the optic thalami.
The corpora geniculata are situated, one on the inner side and one on
the outer side of each optic tract, behind and beneath the optic thalamus,
and from their position are named the corpora geniculata interna and
externa; they give origin to fibres of the optic nerve.
Functions. The Tubercula quadrigemina are the physical centres of
sight, translating the luminous impressions into visual sensations. Destruc-
tion of these tubercles is immediately followed by a loss of the sense of
sight; moreover, their action in vision is crossed, owing to the decussation
of the optic tracts, so that if the tubercle of the right side be destroyed by
disease or extirpated, in a pigeon, the sight is lost in the eye of the oppo-
site side, and the iris loses its mobility.
The tubercula quadrigemina as nerve centres preside over the reflex
movements which cause a dilation or contraction of the iris ; irritation of
the tubercles causing contraction, destruction causing dilatation. Removal
of the tubercles on one side produces a temporary loss of power of the
opposite side of the body, and a tendency to move around an axis is
manifested, as after a section of one crus cerebri, which, however, may be
due to giddiness and loss of sight.
They also assist in the coSrdination of the complex movements of the
eye, and regulate the movements of the iris during the movements of
accommodation for distance.
CORPORA STRIATA AND OPTIC THALAMI.
The Corpora Striata are two large ovoid collections of gray matter,
situated at the base of the cerebrum, the larger portions of which are
imbedded in the white matter, the smaller portions projecting into the
anterior part of the lateral ventricle. Each striated body is divided, by a
narrow band of white matter, into two portions, viz : — CORPORA STRIATA AND OPTIC THALAMI.
115
1. The Caudate nucleus, the intraventricular portion, which is conical
in shape, having its apex directed backward, as a narrow, tail-like process.
2. The Lenticular nucleus, imbedded in the white matter, and for the
most part external to the ventricle; on the outer side of the lenticular
nucleus is found a narrow band of white matter, the external capsule ;
and between it and the convolutions of the island of Reil, a thin band of
gray matter, the claustrum ; the corpora striata are grayish in color, and
when divided present transverse striations, from the intermingling of white
fibre and gray cells.
The Optic Thalami are two oblong masses situated in the ventricles
posterior to the corpora striata, and resting upon the posterior portion of
the crura cerebri. The internal surface projecting into the lateral ven-
tricles is white, but the interior is grayish, from a commingling of both
white fibres and gray cells. Separating the lenticular nucleus from the
caudate nucleus and the optic thalamus, is a band of white tissue, the
internal capsule.
The internal capsule is a narrow, bent tract of white matter, and is, for
the most part, an expansion of the motor tract of the crura cerebri. It
consists of two segments, an anterior, situated between the caudate
nucleus and the anterior surface of the lenticular nucleus, and a posterior,
situated between the optic thalamus and the posterior surface of the len-
ticular nucleus. These two segments unite at an obtuse angle, which is
directed towards the median line. Pathological observation has shown
that the nerve fibres of the direct and crossed pyramidal tracts can be
traced upward through the anterior two-thirds of the posterior segment,
into the centrum ovale, where, for the most part, they are lost; a portion,
however, remaining united, ascend higher and terminate in the paracentral
lobule, the superior extremity of the ascending frontal and parietal convo-
lutions. The sensory tract can be traced upward, through the posterior
third, into the cerebrum, where they probably terminate in the hippo-
campus major and unciate convolution.
Functions. The Corpora striata are the centres in which terminate
some of the fibres of the superficial or ?notor tract of the crura cerebri;
others pass upward through the internal capsule, to be distributed to the
cerebrum. It might be inferred, from their anatomical relations, that they
are motor centres. Irritation by a weak galvanic current produces mus-
cular movements of the opposite side of the body; destruction of their
substance by a hemorrhage, as in apoplexy, is followed by a paralysis of
motion of the opposite side of the body, but there is no loss of sensation. 116
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY.
When the hemorrhagic destruction involves the fibres of the anterior two-
thirds of the posterior segment of the internal capsule, and thus separates
them from their trophic centres in the cortical motor region, a descending
degeneration is established, which involves the direct pyramidal tract of
the same side and the crossed pyramidal tract of the opposite side.
Destruction of the posterior one-third of the posterior segment of the
internal capsule is followed by a loss of sensation on the opposite side of
the body, and a loss of the senses of smell and vision on the same side
(Charcot). The precise function of the corpora striata is unknown, but
they are in some way connected with motion.
The Optic thalami receive the fibres of the tegmentum, the posterior
portion of the crura cerebri. They are insensible and inexcitable to direct
irritation. Removal of one optic thalamus, or destruction of its substance
by disease or hemorrhage, is followed by a loss of sensibility of the oppo-
site side of the body, but there is no loss of motion; their precise function
is also unknown, but in some way connected with sensation. In both cases
their action is crossed.
The Cerebellum is situated in the inferior fossae of the occipital bone,
beneath the posterior lobes of the cerebrum. It attains its maximum
weight, which is about 5 oz., between the twenty-fifth and fortieth years ;
the proportion between the cerebellum and cerebrum being 1 to 8^.
It is composed of two lateral hemispheres and a central elongated lobe,
the ve7-miform process; the two hemispheres are connected with each
other by the fibres of the middle peduncle forming the superficial portion
of the pons Varolii. It is brought into connection with the medulla
oblongata and spinal cord, through the prolongation of the restiform bodies ;
with the cerebrum, by fibres passing upward beneath the corpora quadri-
gemina and the optic thalami, and then forming part of the diverging cere-
bral fibres.
Structure. It is composed of both white and gray matter, the former
being internal, the latter external, and convoluted, for economy of space.
The White matter consists of a central stem, the interior of which is
a dentated capsule of gray matter, the corpus dentatum. From the external
surface of the stem of white matter processes are given off, forming the
lamince, which are covered with gray matter.
The Gray matter is convoluted and covers externally the laminated pro-
cesses ; a vertical section through the gray matter reveals the following
structures:—
CEREBELLUM. CEREBELLUM.
117
1. A delicate connective tissue layer, just beneath the pia mater, contain-
ing rounded corpuscles, and branching fibres passing toward the external
surface.
2. The cells of Purkinje, forming a layer of large, nucleated, branched
nerve cells sending off processes to the external layer.
3. A granular layer of small, but numerous corpuscles.
4. Nerve fibre layer, formed by a portion of the white matter.
Properties and Functions. Irritation of the cerebellum is not fol-
lowed by any evidences either of pain or convulsive movements; it is,
therefore, insensible and inexcitable.
Co-ordination of Movements. Removal of the superficial portions
of the cerebellum in pigeons produces feebleness and want of harmony
in the muscular movements; as successive slices are removed, the move-
ments become more irregular, and the pigeon becomes restless; when
the last portions are removed, all power offlying, walking, standing, etc.,
is entirely gone, and the equilibrium cannot be maintained, the power of
coordinating muscular movements being entirely gone. The same results
have been obtained by operating on all classes of animals.
The following symptoms were noticed by Wagner, after removing the
whole or a large part of the cerebellum. 1. A tendency on the part of
the animal to throw itself on one side, and to extend the legs as far as
possible. 2. Torsion of the head on the neck. 3. Trembling of the
muscles of the body, which was general. 4. Vomiting and occasionally
liquid evacuations.
Forced Movements. Division of one crura cerebelli causes the animal
to fall on one side and roll rapidly on its longitudinal axis. According to
Schiff, if the peduncle be divided from behind, the animal falls on the
same side as the injury; if the section be made m front, the animal turns
to the opposite side.
Disease of the cerebellum partially corroborates the results of experi-
ments; in many cases symptoms of unsteadiness of gait, from a want of
coordination, have been noticed.
Comparative anatomy reveals a remarkable correspondence between
the development of the cerebellum and the complexity of muscular actions.
It attains a much greater development, relatively to the rest of the brain,
in those animals whose movements are very complex and varied in char-
acter, such as the kangaroo, shark and swallow'.
The cerebellum may possibly exert some influence over the sexual func-
tion, but physiological and pathological facts are opposed to the idea of 118
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY.
its being the seat of the sexual instinct. It appears to be simply a centre
for the coordination and equilibration of muscular movements.
The Cerebrum is the largest portion of the encephalic mass, constitut-
ing about four-fifths of its weight; the average weight in the adult male
is from 48 to 50 oz., or about 3 pounds, while in the adult female it is
about 5 oz. less. After the age of 40 the weight of the cerebrum gradually
diminishes at the rate of one ounce every ten years. In idiots the brain
weight is often below the normal, at times not amounting to more than 20
ounces.
The Blood Supply to the cerebrum is unusually large, considering its
comparative bulk; nearly one-fifth, of the entire volume of blood being
distributed to it by the carotid and vertebral arteries. These vessels anas-
tomose so freely, and are so arranged within the cavity of the cranium, that
an obstruction in one vessel will not interfere with the regular supply of
blood to the parts to which its branches are distributed. A diminished
amount, or complete cessation, of the supply of blood is at once followed
by a suspension of its functional activity.
The cerebrum is connected with the pons Varolii and medulla oblon-
gata through the crura cerebri, and with the cerebellum, through the supe-
rior peduncles. It is divided into two lateral halves, or hemispheres, by
the longitudinal fissure running from before backward in the median line ;
each hemisphere is composed of both white and gray matter, the former
being internal, the latter external; it covers the surfaces of the hemisphere
which are infolded, forming convolutions, for economy of space.
Fissures.
1. The Fissure of Sylvius is one of the most important; it is the first to
appear in the development of the foetal brain, being visible at about the
third month; in the adult it is quite deep and well marked, running from
the under surface of the brain upward, outward and backward, and forms
a boundary between the frontal and temporo-sphenoidal lobes.
2. The Fissure of Rolando is second in importance, and runs from
a point on the convexity near the median line transversely outward and
downward toward the fissure of Sylvius, but does not enter it. It sepa-
rates the frontal from the parietal lobe.
3. The Parietalfissure, arising a short distance behind the fissure of Ro-
lando, upon the convexity of the hemisphere, runs downward and back-
ward to its posterior extremity.
CEREBRUM. CEREBRUM.
119
Secondary fissures of importance are found in different lobes of the
cerebrum, separating the various convolutions. In the anterior lobe are
found the pre-central, superiorfrontal and inferior frontal fissures; in the
occipital lobe, are found the parieto-occipital and the calcarine fissures.
Convolutions. Frontal Lobe.
The Ascending frontal convolution, situated in front of the fissure of
Rolando, runs downward and forward; it is continuous above with the
anterior frontal, and below with the inferior frontal convolution.
The Superior frontal convolution is bounded internally by the longitu-
dinal fissure, and externally by the superior frontal fissure ; it is connected
with the superior end of the frontal convolution, and runs downward and
forward to the anterior extremity of the frontal lobe, where it turns back-
ward, and rests upon the orbital plate of the frontal bone.
The Middle frontal convolution, the largest of the three, runs from be-
hind forward, along the sides of the lobe, to its anterior part; it is bounded
above by the superior and below by the inferior frontal fissures.
The Inferior frontal convolution winds around the ascending branch
of the fissure of Sylvius, in the anterior and inferior portion of the
cerebrum.
Parietal Lobe. The Ascending parietal convolution is situated just be-
hind the fissure of Rolando, running downward and forward; above, it
becomes continuous with the upper parietal convolution, and below, winds
around to be united with the ascending frontal.
The Upper parietal convolution is situated between the parietal and
longitudinal fissures.
The Supra-marginal convolution winds around the superior extremity
of the fissure of Sylvius.
The Angular convolution, a continuation of the preceding, follows the
parietal fissure to its posterior extremity, and then makes a sharp angle
downward and forward.
Temporo-sphenoidal Lobe. Contains three well marked convolutions,
the superior, middle and inferior, separated by well defined fissures, and
continuous posteriorly with the convolutions of the parietal lobe.
The Occipital Lobe lies behind the parieto-occipital fissure, and contains
the superior, middle and inferior convolutions, not well marked.
The Central Lobe or Island of Reil, situated at the bifurcation of the
fissure of Sylvius, is a triangular-shaped cluster of six convolutions, the gyri
operti, which are connected with those of the frontal, parietal, and tem-
poro-sphenoidal lobes. 120
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY.
Structure. The Gray matter of the cerebrum, about one-eighth of an
inch thick, is composed of five layers of nerve cells: (i) a superficial
layer, containing few small multipolar ganglion cells; (2) small ganglion
cells, pyramidal in shape; (3) a layer of large pyramidal ganglion cells
with processes running off superiorly and laterally; (4) the granular forma-
tion containing nerve cells; (5) spindle shaped and branching nerve cells
of moderate size.
The White Matter consists of three distinct sets of fibres—
1. The diverging or peduncular fibres are mainly derived from the
columns of the cord and medulla oblongata; passing upward through the
crura cerebri, they receive accessory fibres from the olivary fasciculus, cor-
pora quadrigemina and cerebellum. Some of the fibres terminate in the
optic thalami and corpora striata, while others radiate into the anterior,
middle and posterior lobes of the cerebrum.
2. The transverse commissural fibres connect together the two hemi-
spheres, through the corpus callosum and anterior and posterior commis-
sures.
3. The longitudinal commissural fibres connect together different parts
of the same hemisphere.
Functions. The cerebral hemispheres are the centres of the nervous
system through which are manifested all the phenomena of the mind;
they are the centres in which impressions are registered, and reproduced
subsequently as ideas ; they are the seat of intelligence, reason and will.
However important a centre the cerebrum may be, for the exhibition of
this highest form of nervous action, it is not directly essential for the con-
tinuance of life; for it does not exert any control over those automatic
reflex acts, such as respiration, circulation, etc., which regulate the func-
tions of organic life.
From the study of comparative anatomy, pathology, vivisection, etc.,
evidence has been obtained which throws some light upon the physiology
of the cerebral hemispheres.
I. Comparative Anatomy shows that there is a general connection be-
tween the size of the brain, its texture, the depth and number of convolu-
tions, and the exhibition of mental power. Throughout the entire animal
series, the increase in intelligence goes hand in hand with an increase in
the development of the brain. In man there is an enormous increase in
size over that of the highest animals, the anthropoids. The most cultivated
races of men have the greatest cranial capacity; that of the educated
European being about 116 cubic inches, that of the Australian being about CEREBRUM.
121
60 cubic inches, a difference of 56 cubic inches. Men distinguished for
great mental power usually have large and well developed brains; that of
Cuvier weighed 64 oz.; that of Abercrombie 63 oz.; the average being
about 48 to 50 oz.; not only the size, but above all, the texture of the
brain, must be taken into consideration.
2. Pathology. Any severe injury or disease disorganizing the hemi-
spheres is at once attended by a disturbance, or entire suspension of mental
activity. A blow on the head producing concussion, or undue pressure
from cerebral hemorrhage destroys consciousness; physical and chemical
alterations in the gray matter have been shown to coexist with insanity,
loss of memory, speech, etc. Congenital defects of organization from im-
perfect develop ment are usually accompanied by a corresponding deficiency
of intellectual power and the higher instincts. Under these circumstances
no great advance in mental development can be possible, and the intelli-
gence remains at a low grade. In congenital idiocy not only is the brain
of small size, but it is wanting in proper chemical composition; phosphorus,
a characteristic ingredient of the nervous tissue, being largely diminished
in amount.
3. Experimentation upon the lower animals by removing the cerebral
hemispheres is attended by results similar to those observed in disease and
injury. Removal of the cerebrum in pigeons produces complete abolition
of intelligence, and destroys the capability of performing spontaneous
movements. The pigeon remains in a condition of profound stupor, which
is not accompanied, however, by a loss of sensation, or of the power of pro-
ducing reflex or instinctive movements. The pigeon can be temporarily
aroused by pinching the feet, loud noises, light placed before the eyes, etc.,
but soon relapses into a state of quietude, being unable to remember im-
pressions and connect them with any train of ideas; the faculties of
memory, reason and judgment being completely abolished.
The Faculty of articulate language, by which the individual associates
ideas and words comprises two distinct faculties, viz: I. The power of
recalling particular words; 2. The coordination of muscles necessary for
their articulation.
Aphasia is a condition in which the power of expressing ideas in words
is completely lost. Pathological observation has shown that this condition
is frequently associated with disease of the 3d frontal convolution of the
left side, and also the convolutions of the island of Reil, parts nourished by
the middle cerebral artery. It usually coexists with right hemiplegia; at
LOCALIZATION OF FUNCTIONS. 122
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY.
times aphasia results from disease of corresponding structures of the
right side. The faculty of articulate language may be located in the
3d frontal convolution and the island of Reil, usually on the left side of
the brain.
Motor Centres. The gray matter covering the cerebral hemispheres
is both insensible and inexcitable to ordinary mechanical and chemical
stimuli; but when a galvanic current of low intensity is applied to par-
ticular regions of the cerebrum of a monkey, in which the general
arrangement of the convolutions approximates that of man, definite co-
ordinate movements occur on the opposite side of the body, e. g., rotation,
flexion and extension of the limbs, and movements of the facial muscles.
The regions in which the motor centres are located are the convolutions
around the fissure of Rolando, especially the ascending frontal and the
ascending parietal. Destruction of the gray matter of these convolutions
is followed by a paralysis of motion on the opposite side of the body;
destruction of circumscribed areas in these convolutions causes paralysis
of the groups of muscles excited to action by electrical stimulation of such
areas.
The antero-frontal and occipital lobes are not excitable to electrical
stimulation.
Special Centres. The superior and middle frontal convolutions
appear to be connected with the intellectual faculties; ablation of these
convolutions causes a marked impairment of the intelligence and of the
faculty of attentive observation, without impairing either sensation or
motion.
The Visual centre is located in the angular convolution. If this centre
be destroyed, blindness of the opposite eye results, which is, however, only
temporary if the opposite angular convolution be intact; destruction of
both causes a complete and permanent loss of visual perceptions.
The Auditory and Taste centres are located in the superior and inferior
temporo sphenoidal convolutions respectively; destruction of these regions
abolishes the sense of hearing and taste. The sense of smell is situated in
the uncinate convolution or cornu ammonis.
Systemic sensations are probably located in the occipital lobes; their
ablation is followed by a state of great depression, loss of appetite, and a
refusal to take food.
The centre for sensory impressions is located in the posterior portion of
the cerebrum; destruction of the posterior portion of the internal capsule
causes loss of sensation on the opposite side of the body. SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM.
123
SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM.
The Sympathetic Nervous System consists of a chain of ganglia
connected together by longitudinal nerve filaments, situated on each side
of the spinal column, running from above downward. The two gangli-
onic cords are connected together in the interior of the cranium by the
ganglion of Ribes, on the anterior communicating artery, and terminate in
the ganglion impar, situated at the tip of the coccyx.
The chain of ganglia is divided into groups and named according to the
localities in which they are found, viz: cranial, four in number; cervical,
three; thoracic, twelve ; lumbar, five , sacral, five ; coccygeal, one. Each
ganglion consists of a collection of vesicular nervous matter, among which
are found tubular and gelatinous nerve fibres. The ganglia are reinforced
by motor and sensory fibres from the cerebro-spinal nervous system.
The Ganglia are distinct nerve fibres, from which branches are dis-
tributed to glands, arteries, muscles and to the cerebral and spinal nerves;
many pass, also, to the visceral ganglia, e. g., cardiac, semilunar, pelvic, etc.
Cephalic Ganglia.
1. The Ophthalmic or Ciliary ganglion is situated in the orbital cavity
posterior to the eyeball; it is of small size, and of a reddish-gray color;
receives filaments of communication from the motor oculi, ophthalmic
branch of the 5th pair, and the carotid plexus. Its filaments of distribu-
tion are the ciliary nerves which pass to the iris and ciliary muscle.
Function. It is the centre through which the reflex acts take place by
which the pupil is contracted or dilated; controls the movement of
accommodation for vision at different distances.
2. The Spheno-palatine, or Meckel’s ganglion, triangular in shape, is
situated in the spheno maxillary fossa; receives filaments from the facial
(Vidian nerve), and the superior maxillary branch of the 5th nerve. Its
filaments of distribution pass to the gums, the soft palate, levator palati,
and azygos uvulae muscles.
The Otic, or Arnold’s ganglion, is of small size, oval in shape, and
situated beneath the foramen ovale; receives a motor filament from the
facial and sensory filaments from the glosso-pharyngeal and 5th nerve;
sends filaments to the mucous membrane of the tympanic cavity and to the
tensor tympani muscle.
4. The Submaxillary ganglion, situated in the sub-maxillary gland,
receives motor filaments from the chorda tympani and sensory filaments
from the lingual branch of the 5th nerve. Regulates to some extent the
secretion of saliva. 124
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY.
Cervical Ganglia.
The Superior cervical ganglion is fusiform in shape, of a grayish-red
color, and situate opposite the 2d and 3d cervical vertebrae; it sends
branches to form the carotid and cavernous plexuses which follow the
course of the carotid arteries to their distribution; also sends branches
to join the glosso-pharyngeal and pneumogastric, to form the pharyngeal
plexus.
The Middle cervical ganglion, the smallest of the three, is occasionally
wanting; it is situated opposite the 5th cervical vertebra; sends branches
to the superior and inferior cervical ganglion, and to the thyroid artery.
The Inferior cervical ganglion, irregular in form, is situated opposite the
last cervical vertebrse ; it is frequently fused with the first thoracic ganglion.
The superior, middle and inferior cardiac nerves, arising from these
cervical ganglia, pass downward and forward to form the deep and super-
ficial cardiac plexuses located at the bifurcation of the trachea, from which
branches are distributed to the heart, coronary arteries, etc.
The Thoracic Ganglia are usually twelve in number, placed against
the heads of the ribs behind the pleura; they are small in size and gray in
color; they communicate with the cerebro-spinal nerves by two filaments,
one of which is white, the other gray.
The great splanchnic nerve is, formed by the union of branches from the
sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth ganglia ; it passes through the diaphragm
to the semi-lunar ganglion.
The lesser splanchnic nerve is formed by the union of filaments from the
tenth and eleventh ganglia, and is distributed to the coeliac plexus.
The renal splanchnic nerve arises from the last thoracic ganglion and
terminates in the renal plexus.
The semi-lunar ganglia, the largest of the sympathetic, are situated by
the side of the coeliac axis ; they send radiating branches to form the solar
plexus; from the various plexuses, nerves follow the gastric, splenic,
hepatic, renal, etc., arteries, into the different abdominal viscera.
The Lumbar Ganglia, four in number, are placed upon the bodies of
the vertebra; they give off branches which unite to form the aortic lumbar
plexus and the hypogastric plexus, and follow the blood vessels to their
terminations.
The Sacral and Coccygeal Ganglia send filaments of distribution to
all the blood vessels of the pelvic viscera.
Properties and Functions. The sympathetic nerve possesses both
sensibility and the power of exciting motion, but these properties are much 125
less decided than in the cerebro-spinal system. Irritation of the ganglia
does not produce any evidence of pain until some time has elapsed. If
caustic soda be applied to the semilunar ganglia, or a galvanic current be
passed through the splanchnic nerves, no instantaneous effect is noticed, as
in the case of the cerebro-spinal nerves; but in the course of a few seconds
a slow, progressive contraction of the muscular coat of the intestines is
established, which continues for some time after the irritation is removed.
Division of the sympathetic nerve in the neck is followed by a vascular
congestion of the parts above the section on the corresponding side, attended
by an increase in the temperature; not only is there an increase in the
amount of blood, but the rapidity of the blood current is very much
hastened, and the blood in the veins becomes of a brighter color. Gal-
vanization of the upper end of the divided nerve causes all of the preced-
ing phenomena to disappear; the congestion decreases, the temperature
falls, and the venous blood becomes dark again.
The sympathetic exerts a similar influence upon the circulation of the
limbs and the glandular organs; destruction of the first thoracic ganglion
and division of the nerves forming the lumbar and sacral plexuses is
followed by a dilatation of the vessels, an increased rapidity of the circu-
lation, and an elevation of temperature in the anterior and posterior
limbs; galvanization of the peripheral ends of these nerves causes all of
these phenomena to disappear. Division of the splanchnic nerve causes a
dilatation of the blood vessels of the intestine.
These phenomena of the sympathetic nerve system are dependent upon
the presence of vaso-motor nerves which, under normal circumstances,
exert a tonic influence upon the blood vessels. These nerves, derived
from the cerebro-spinal system, the medulla oblongata, leave the spinal
cord by the rami communicantes, enter the sympathetic ganglia, and
finally terminate in the muscular wall of the blood vessels.
Sleep is a periodical condition of the nervous system, in which there is
a partial or complete cessation of the activities of the higher nerve centres.
The cause of sleep is a diminution in the quantity of blood, occasioned by
a contraction of the smaller arteries under the influence of the vaso-motor
nerves.
During the waking state the brain undergoes a physiological wastej as a
result of the exercise of its functions; after a certain length of time its
activities become enfeebled, and a period of repose ensues, during which
a regeneration of its substance takes place.
When the brain becomes enfeebled there is a diminished molecular
activity and an accumulation of waste products; under these circumstances
SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM. 126
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY.
it ceases to dominate the medulla oblongata and the spinal cord. These
centres then act more vigorously, and diminish the calibre of the cerebral
blood vessels through the action of the vaso-motor nerves, producing a con-
dition of physiological anaemia and sleep; during this state waste products
are removed, force is stored up, nutrition is restored, and waking finally
occurs.
The Sense of Touch is a modification of general sensibility, and
located in the skin, which is especially adapted for this purpose, on account
of the number of nerves and papillary elevations it possesses. The struc-
tures of the skin and the modes of terminations of the sensory nerves have
already been considered.
The Tactile Sensibility varies in acuteness in different portions of the
body; being most marked in those regions in which the tactile corpuscles
are most abundant, e. g., the palmar surface of the third phalanges of the
fingers and thumb.
The relative sensibility of different portions of the body has been ascer-
tained by means of a pair of compasses, the points of which are guarded
by cork, and then determining how closely they could be brought together,
and yet be felt at two distinct points. The following are some of the
measurements:—
Point of tongue..... ]/2 of aline.
Palmar surface of third phalanx i line.
Red surface of lips 2 lines.
Palmar surface of metacarpus 3 “
Tip of the nose 3 “
Part of lips covered by skin 4 “
Palm of hand 5 “
Lower part of forehead 10 “
Back of hand 14 “
Dorsum of foot 18 “
Middle of the thigh 30 “
The sense of touch communicates to the mind the idea of resistance
only, and the varying degrees of resistance offered to the sensory nerves
enables us to estimate, with the aid of the muscular sense, the qualities of
hardness and softness of external objects. The idea of space or exten-
sion is obtained when the sensory surface or the external object changes its
place in regard to the other; the character of the surface, its roughness or
smoothness, is estimated by the impressions made upon the tactile papillae.
THE SENSE OF TOUCH. THE SENSE OF TASTE.
127
Appreciation of Temperature.—The general surface of the body is more
or less sensitive to differences of temperature, though this sensation is
separate from that of touch; whether there are nerves especially adapted
for the conduction of this sensation has not been fully determined. Under
pathological conditions, however, the sense of touch may be abolished,
while the appreciation of changes in temperature may remain normal.
This cutaneous surface varies in its sensibility to temperature in different
parts of the body, and depends, to some extent, upon the thickness of the
skin, exposure, habit, etc.; the inner surface of the elbow is more sensi-
tive to changes in temperature than the outer portion of the arm; the
left hand is more sensitive than the right; the mucous membrane less so
than the skin.
Excessive heat or cold has the same effect upon the sensibility; the
temperatures most readily appreciated are those between 50° F. and 1150 F.
The sensation of pain and tickling appear to be conducted to the brain,
also, by nerves different from those of touch; in abnormal conditions the
appreciation of pain may be entirely lost, while touch remains unimpaired.
THE SENSE OF TASTE.
The Sense of Taste is localized mainly in the mucous membrane
covering the superior surface of the tongue.
The Tongue is situated in the floor of the mouth; its base is directed
backward, and connected with the hyoid bone, by numerous muscles, with
the epiglottis and soft palate; its apex is directed forward against the pos-
terior surface of the teeth.
The stibstance of the tongue is made up of intrinsic muscular fibres,
the linguales ; it is attached to surrounding parts, and its various move-
ments performed by the extrinsic muscles, e. g., stylo-glossus, genio-hyo-
glossus, etc.
The mucous membrane covering the tongue is continuous with that
lining the commencement of the alimentary canal, and is furnished with
vascular and nervous papillae.
The papilla are analogous in their structure to those of the skin, and
are distributed over the dorsum of the tongue, giving it its characteristic
roughness.
There are three principal varieties:—
i. The filiform papilla are most numerous, and cover the anterior two-
thirds of the tongue; they are conical or filiform in shape, often prolonged
into filamentous tufts, of a whitish color, and covered by horny epithelium. 128
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY.
2. The fungiform papillce are found chiefly at the tip and sides of the
tongue; they are larger than the preceding, and may be recognized by
their deep red color.
3. The circumvallate papillce are rounded eminences, from 8 to 10 in
number, situated at the base of the tongue, where they form a V-shaped
figure. They are quite large, and consist of a central projection of
mucous membrane, surrounded by a wall, or circumvallation, from which
they derive their name.
The Taste Beakers, supposed to be the true organs of taste, are flask-
like bodies, ovoid in form, about the of an inch in length, situated in
the epithelial covering of the mucous membrane, on the circumvallate
papillae. They consist of a number of fusiform, narrow cells, and curved
so as to form the walls of this flask-like body; in the interior are elongated
cells, with large, clear nuclei, the taste cells.
Nerves of Taste. The chorda tympani nerve, a branch of the facial,
after leaving the cavity of the tympanum, joins the 3d division of the 5th
nerve between the two pterygoid muscles, and then passes forward in the
lingual branches, to be distributed to the mucous membrane of the anterior
two-thirds of the tongue. Division or disease of this nerve is followed by
a loss of taste in the part to which it is distributed.
The glosso-pharyngeal enters the tongue at the posterior border of the
hyo-glossus muscle, and is distributed to the mucous membrane of the base
and sides of the tongue, fauces, etc.
The lingual branch of the trifacial nerve endows the tongue with gene-
ral sensibility; the hypoglossal endows it with motion.
The nerves of taste in the superficial layer of the mucous membrane
form a fine plexus from which branches pass to the epithelium and pene-
trate it; others enter the taste beakers, and are directly connected with
the taste cells.
The seat of the sense of taste has been shown by experiment to be the
whole of the mucous membrane over the dorsum of the tongue, soft palate,
fauces, and upper part of the pharynx.
The Sense of Taste enables us to distinguish the savor of substances
introduced into the mouth, which is different from tactile sensibility. The
sapid quality of substances appreciated by the tongue are designated as
bitter, sweet, alkaline, sour, salt, etc.
The Essential Conditions for the production of the impressions of
taste are (1) a state of solubility of the food; (2) a free secretion of the
saliva, and (3) active movements on the part of the tongue, exerting pres- THE SENSE OF SMELL.
129
sure against the roof of the mouth, gums, etc., thus aiding the solution of
various articles and their osmosis into the lingual papillae. Sapid sub-
stances, when in a state of solution, pass into the interior of the taste
beakers and come into contact, through the medium of the taste cells,
with the terminal filaments of the gustatory nerves.
THE SENSE OF SMELL.
The Sense of Smell is located in the mucous membrane lining the
upper part of the nasal cavity, in which the olfactory nerves are distributed.
The Nasal Fossae are two cavities, irregular in shape, separated by
the vomer, the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone, and the triangular
cartilage. They open anteriorly and posteriorly by the anterior and pos-
terior nares, the latter communicating with the pharynx. They are lined
by mucous membrane, of which the only portion capable of receiving odor-
ous impressions is the part lining the upper one-third of the fossae.
The Olfactory Nerves, arising by three roots from the posterior and
inferior surface of the anterior lobes, pass forward to the cribriform plate
of the ethmoid bone, where they each expand into an oblong body, the
olfactory bulb. From its under surface from 15 to 20 filaments pass down-
ward through the foramina, to be distributed to the olfactory mucous mem-
brane, where they terminate in long, delicate, spindle-shaped cells, the
olfactory cells, situated between the ordinary epithelial cells.
The olfactory bulbs are the centres in which odorous impressions are
perceived as sensations; destruction of these bulbs being attended by an
abolition of the sense of smell.
In animals which possess an acute sense of smell, there is a correspond-
ing increase in the development of the olfactory bulbs.
The Essential Conditions for the sense of smell are, (1) a special
nerve centre capable of receiving impressions and transforming them into
odorous sensations. (2) Emanations from bodies which are in a gaseous
or vaporous condition. (3) The odorous emanations must be drawn freely
through the nasal fossae; if the odor be very faint, a peculiar inspiratory
movement is made, by which the air is forcibly brought into contact with
the olfactory filaments. The secretions of the nasal fossae probably dis-
solve the odorous particles.
Various substances, as ammonia, horseradish, etc., excite the sensibility
of the mucous membrane, which must be distinguished from the perception
of true odors. 130
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY.
THE SENSE OF SIGHT.
The Eyeball. The eyeball, or organ of vision, is situated within the
orbital cavity, and loosely held in position by the fibrous capsule of Tenon.
It resfs upon a cushion of fat, which never disappears, except in cases of
extreme starvation; it is protected from injury by the bony orbital walls,
and is so situated as to permit an extensive range of vision.
Blood vessels and Nerves. The structures of the eyeball are sup-
plied with blood by the ciliary arteries, which pierce the posterior surface
around the optic nerve.
The Ciliary or Ophthalmic ganglion, about the size of a pin’s head,
situated in the posterior portion of the orbital cavity, receives filaments of
communication from the trifacial or 5th nerve, the motor oculi or 3d nerve,
and the sympathetic. From its anterior portion are given off the ciliary
nerves, which enter the ball posteriorly and are distributed to the structures
of which it is composed.
Structure. The form of the eyeball is that of a sphere; it is about
one inch in the transverse diameter, and a little longer in the antero-posterior
diameter, on account of its having the segment of a smaller sphere inserted
into the anterior surface. It is composed of 3 coats; in its interior is con-
tained the refracting apparatus.
The Sclerotic and Cornea together form the external coat of the eye;
the former covering the posterior f, the latter covering the anterior
The sclerotic is a dense, opaque, fibrous membrane, varying in thickness
from the to the -fa of an inch; it is composed of connective tissue and is
slightly vascular. Posteriorly it is continuous with the sheath of the optic
nerve, and is pierced by that nerve, as well as by the ciliary vessels and
nerves; anteriorly its fibres become quite pale, and after passing into the
cornea, transparent. It is a protective covering, and gives attachment to
the tendons of the muscles by which the eyeball is moved.
The Cornea is a non-vascular, transparent membrane, composed for the
most part of connective tissue in which are contained stellate corpuscles
filled with a clear fluid. It is covered anteriorly by the basement mem-
brane of the conjunctiva, upon which rests several layers of epithelial
cells; posteriorly it is lined by the membrane of Descemet, which is re-
flected on to the anterior surface of the iris.
The Choroid, the Iris, the Ciliary Muscle and Ciliary Processes,
together constitute the middle coat of the eye.
The Cho7'oid coat, about the -fe of an inch in thickness, is both a vas- THE SENSE OF SIGHT.
131
cular and pigmentary membrane; it is of a dark brown color externally,
and of a deep black internally.
The outer portion is made up of a rich network of vessels, the branches
of the ciliary arteries and veins; the inner portion, the pigmentary layer,
is a delicate membrane formed of hexagonal cells, containing black pig-
ment.
The Function of the choroid is mainly to absorb the rays of light which
pass through the retina, and thus prevent them from interfering with the
distinctness of vision by being again reflected upon the retina.
The Iris is a circular, muscular diaphragm, placed in the anterior por-
Fig. 11.
SCLEROTIC COAT REMOVED TO SHOW THE CHOROID, CILIARY MUSCLE AND NERVES.
a. Sclerotic coat. b. Veins of the choroid, c Ciliary nerves, d. Veins of the choroid.
e. Ciliary body. f. Iris.—From Holden’s Anatomy.
tion of the eye, and perforated a little to the nasal side of the centre by a
circular opening, the pupil; it is attached by its periphery to the point of
junction of the sclerotic and cornea. It is composed of a connective tissue
stroma, blood vessels and non-striated muscular fibres, circular and radiat-
ing. The circular fibres surround the margin of the pupil like a sphincter,
and are controlled by the 3d pair of nerves; the radiating fibres (dilators
of the pupil) radiate from the centre toward its circumference, and are
controlled by the sympathetic system of nerves.
The Ciliary muscle is a grayish circular band, consisting of unstriped
muscular fibres, about one-eighth of an inch long, running from before 132
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY.
backward; beneath the radiating fibres are small bands of circular fibres
running around the eye. It arises from the line of junction of the sclerotic,
cornea and iris; passing backward it is attached to the outer surface of
the choroid; it is the principal agent in accommodation, and innervated
by the 3d pair of nerves.
The Retina forms the internal coat of the eye ; in the fresh state it is a
delicate, transparent membrane, but soon becomes opaque and of a pinkish
tint; it extends forward almost to the ciliary processes, where it terminates
in the ora serrata. In the posterior portion of the retina, at a point cor-
responding to the axis of vision, is a rounded, elevated yellow spot, the
limbus luteus, having a central depression, the fovea centralis; about Taff
of an inch to the inner side is the point of entrance of the optic nerve,
where it spreads out to assist in the formation of the retina. The arteria
centralis retina pierces the optic nerve near the sclerotic, runs forward in
its substance and is distributed in the retina as far forward as the ciliary
processes.
The Retina consists of nine distinct layers, from within outward, sup-
ported by connective tissue. 1. Membrana limitans interna. 2. Fibres
of optic nerve. 3. Layers of ganglionic corpuscles. 4. Molecular layer.
5. Internal granular layer. 6. Molecular layer. 7. External granular
layer. 8. Membrana limitans externa. 9. Layer of rods and cones.
In the Fovea centralis, at the point of most distinct vision, all of the
layers disappear except the layer of rods and cones, which becomes some-
what longer and more slender.
The Aqueous humor is a clear fluid, alkaline in reaction, occupying the
anterior chamber of the eye; this chamber is bounded in front by the
cornea, posteriorly by the iris.
The Vitreous humor forms about four-fifths of the entire ball. It sup-
ports the retina, and is excavated anteriorly for the reception of the lens;
it is transparent, of a jelly-like consistence, and surrounded by a structure-
less, transparent membrane, the hyaloid membrane.
The Crystalline lens is situated immediately behind the pupil, in the
concavity of the vitreous humor. It is inclosed in a highly elastic, trans-
parent membrane, the capsule. The lens is a transparent, doubly-convex
body, of an inch transversely, of an inch antero-posteriorly; it is
held in position by the suspensory ligament, formed by a splitting of the
hyaloid tunic, the external layer of which passes in front of the lens, the
internal layer behind it. Its function is to refract the rays of light and
bring them to a focus upon the retina. THE SENSE OF SIGHT.
133
Vision. The eye may be regarded as a camera obscura, in which
images of external objects are thrown upon a screen, the retina, by means
of a double convex lens.
The Essential Conditions for proper vision are: 1. Certain refract-
ing media, e. g., cornea, aqueous humor, and crystalline lens, by which
the rays of light are so disposed as to form an image. 2. A diaphragm,
the iris, which, by alternately contracting and dilating, increases or dimin-
ishes the amount of light entering the eye. 3. A sensitive surface, to
Fig. i2.
1. Anterior chamber fdled with aqueous humor. 2. Posterior chamber. 3. Canal 01
Petit.
DIAGRAM OF A VERTICAL SECTION OF THE EYE.
a. Hyaloid membrane, b Retina (dotted line), c. Choroid coat (black line).
d. Sclerotic coat. e. Cornea, f. Iris. g. Ciliary processes, h. Canal of Schlemm
or Fontana, i. Ciliary muscle. (Front Holden’s Anatomy.)
receive the image and transmit the luminous impressions through the optic
nerve to the brain. 4. A contractile structure, the ciliary muscle, which
can so manipulate the lens as to enable external objects to be seen at near
or far distances.
The Refracting Apparatus, by which parallel rays of light are brought
to a focus on the retina, consists mainly of the crystalline lens, though
aided by the cornea and aqueous humor. A ray of light passing through
the pupil is refracted and concentrated by the lens at a given point pos- 134
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY.
terior to it. For the correct perception of images of external objects, the
rays of light must be accurately focused on the retina; in order that this
maybe accomplished, the lens must have a certain density and a proper
curvature of its surfaces. When the lens is too convex, its refracting power
is greatly increased, the rays of light are brought to a focus in front of the
retina, and the visual perception becomes dim and confused. When it is too
flat, the rays are not focused at all, and the resulting perception is the same.
The Crystalline lens, therefore, produces a distinct perception of the
outline and form of external objects.
Action of the Iris. The iris, consisting of contracting and dilating
fibres, transmits and regulates the quantity of light passing through its
central aperture, the pupil, which is necessary for distinct vision.
If the light be too intense or excessive, the circular fibres contract under
the stimulus of the 3d pair of nerves, and the aperture is diminished in
size; if the quantity of light be insufficient, the dilating fibres contract
under the stimulus of the sympathetic, and the pupillary aperture is
increased in size.
The Retina, which is formed partly by the expansion of the optic
nerve, and partly by new nervous structures, is the membrane which
receives the impressions of light. Its posterior surface, which is in con-
tact with the choroid, and especially the layer of rods and cones, is the
sensitive portion, in which the rays of light produce their effects.
The point of most distinct vision is in the macula lutea, and especially
in its central depression, the fovea, which corresponds to the central axis
of the eye; it is situated about of an inch to the outside of the
entrance of the optic nerve. It is at this point that images of external
objects are seen most distinctly, while all around it the perceptions are
more or less obscure; at the macula all the layers disappear except the
layer of rods and cones.
Blind Spot. At the point of entrance of the optic nerve is a region
in which the rays of light make no impression, owing to the absence of
the proper retinal elements; the fibres of the optic nerve being insensible
to the action of light.
The course which a ray of light takes is as follows: After passing
through the cornea, lens, and vitreous humor and the layers of the retina,
it is finally arrested by the pigmentary layer of the choroid; here it excites
in the layer of rods and cones some physical or chemical change, which
is then transmitted to the fibres of the optic nerve, and thence to the brain,
where it is perceived as a sensation of light. THE SENSE OF SIGHT.
135
The Accommodation of the eye to vision for different distances is
accomplished by a change in the convexities of the lens, caused by the
action of the ciliary muscle. When the eye is accommodated for vision at
far distances, the structures are in a passive condition and the lens is flat-
tened ; when it is adjusted for vision at short distances, the convexities of
the lens are increased.
When the Ciliary muscle contracts and draws the choroid coat forward,
the suspensory ligament is relaxed and the lens becomes more convex, in
virtue of its own elasticity.
Optical Defects. Astigmatism is a condition of the eye which pre-
vents vertical and horizontal lines from being focused at the same time,
and is due to a greater curvature of the eye in one direction than
another.
Spherical aberration is a condition in which there is an indistinctness
of an image from the unequal refraction of the rays of light passing
through the circumference and the centre of the lens; it is corrected
mainly by the iris, which cuts off the marginal rays, and only transmits
those passing through the centre.
Chromatic aberration, in which the image is surrounded by a colored
margin, from the decomposition of the rays of light into their elementary
parts, is corrected by the different refractive powers of the transparent
media in front of the retina.
Myopia, or short-sightedness, is caused by an abnormal increase in the
antero-posterior diameter of the eyeball; the lens being too far removed
from the retina, forms the image in front of it, and the perception becomes
dim and blurred. Concave glasses correct this defect, by preventing the
rays from converging too soon.
Hyper?netropia, or long-sightedness, is caused by a shortening of the
antero-posterior diameter; the lens consequently focuses the rays of light
behind the retina. Convex glasses correct this defect, by converging the
rays of light more anteriorly.
Presbyopia is a loss of the power of accommodation of the eye to near
objects, and usually occurs between the ages of 40 and 60; it is remedied
by the use of a convex eye-glass.
Accessory Structures. The muscles which move the eyeball are
six in number; the superior and inferior recti, the external and internal
recti, the superior and inferior oblique muscles. The four recti muscles,
arising from the apex of the orbit, pass forward and are inserted into the
sides of the sclerotic coat; the superior and inferior muscles rotate the 136
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY.
eye around a horizontal axis; the external and internal rotate it around
a vertical axis.
The Superior oblique muscle, having the same origin, passes forward to
the inner and upper angle of the orbital cavity, where its tendon passes
through a cartilaginous pulley; it is then reflected backward and inserted
into the sclerotic just behind the transverse diameter. Its function is to
rotate the eyeball in such a manner as to direct the pupil downward and
outward.
The inferior oblique muscle arises at the inner angle of the orbit and
then passes outward and backward to be inserted into the sclerotic. Its
function is to rotate the eyeball and direct the pupil upward and outward.
By the associated action of all these muscles, the eyeball is capable of
performing all the varied and complex movements necessary for distinct
vision.
The Eyelids, bordered with short, stiff hairs, shade the eye and protect
it from injury. On the posterior surface, just beneath the conjunctiva, are
the Meibomian glands, which secrete an oily fluid; it covers the edge of
the lids and prevents the tears from flowing over the cheek.
The Lachry?}ial Glands are ovoid in shape and situated at the upper
and outer part of the orbital cavity; they open by from six to eight ducts
at the outer portion of the upper lids.
The Tears, secreted by the lachrymal glands, are distributed over the
cornea by the lids during the act of winking, and keep it moist and free
from dust. The excess of tears passes into the lachrymal ducts, which
begin by two minute orifices, one on each lid, at the inner canthus. They
conduct the tears into the nasal duct, and so into the nose.
THE SENSE OF HEARING.
The Organ of Hearing is situated in the petrous portion of the tem-
poral bone, and is divided into three portions, viz: the external ear, the
middle ear and the internal ear.
The External Ear consists of two portions, the pinna or auricle, and
the external auditory canal. The former, consisting of cartilage, which is
irregularly folded and covered by integument, is united to the side of the head
by ligaments and muscles; the latter, partly cartilaginous and partly bony,
is about one and a quarter inches in length ; it runs downward and forward
from the concha to the middle ear, and is lined by a reflection of the gene-
ral integument, in which is lodged a number of glands, which secrete the
cerumen. THE SENSE OF HEARING.
137
The function of the external ear is to collect the waves of sound coming
from all directions and to transmit them to the membrana tympani.
The Middle Ear or Tympanum is an irregularly shaped cavity,
narrow from side to side, but long in its vertical and antero-posterior
diameters.
It is separated from the external ear by the membrana tympani, and
from the internal ear by a second membrana tympani; it communicates
posteriorly with the mastoid cells, anteriorly with the pharynx, through
the Eustachian tube. It is lined by mucous membrane, and contains three
small bones, forming a connected chain running across its cavity.
The Membrana tympani is a thin, delicate, translucent membrane, cir-
cular in shape and measuring about two-fifths of an inch in diameter; it is
received into a delicate ring of bone, which in the adult becomes consoli-
dated with the temporal bone; it is concave externally and situated ob-
liquely, inclining at an angle of 45 degrees.
The membrane consists of three layers; the outer is formed by a reflec-
tion of the integument lining the external auditory canal; the middle is
composed of fibrous tissue, and the internal of mucous membrane.
The Function of the membrana tympani is to receive and transmit the
waves of sound to the chain of bones; it is capable of being made tense
and lax by the action of the tensor tympani and laxator tympani muscles,
so as to vibrate in unison with the waves of sound in the external auditory
meatus. When the membrane is relaxed, its vibrations have a greater
amplitude, and it appreciates sounds of a low pitch. When it is made
tense it vibrates less forcibly and appreciates sounds of a high pitch.
The Chain of bones is formed by the malleus, incus and stapes, united
together by ligaments. The malleus consists of a head, neck and handle,
of which the latter is attached to the inner surface of the membrana tym-
pani. The incus, or anvil bone, articulates with the head of the malleus
by a capsular joint, and with the stapes by the end of its long process.
The stapes resembles a stirrup in shape; it articulates externally with the
long process of the incus, and internally its oval base is applied to the
edges of the foramen ovale.
The Function of the chain of bones is to transmit the waves of sound
across the tympanum to the internal ear; being surrounded by air, and
acting as a solid rod, they prevent the vibrations from losing but little in
intensity.
The Tensor tympani mtiscle arises mainly from the cartilaginous part
of the Eustachian tube ; it then passes backward into the tympanic cavity,
where it bends at a right angle around a process of bone, and is inserted 138
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY.
into the root of the handle of the malleus. Its function is to draw the
handle of the malleus internally, and thus increase the tension of the
membrana tympani, so as to make it capable of vibrating with sounds of
greater or less intensity; at the same time it tightens the joints of the
chain of bones, so that they may the better conduct waves of sound to the
internal ear, with but a slight loss of intensity.
The Laxator tympani muscle, arising from the spinous process of the
sphenoid bone, passes backward through the Glasserian fissure, into the
tympanic cavity, and is inserted into the neck of the malleus Its function
is to draw the handle of the malleus outward, and so relax the membrana
tympani, and enable it to receive waves of sound of greater amplitude
than when it is tense.
The Stapedius muscle, emerging from the cavity of the pyramid of bone
projecting from the posterior wall of the tympanum, is inserted into the
head of the stapes bone. Its function is to draw the stapes backward,
preventing too great movement of the bone, and at the same time relaxing
the membrana tympani.
The Eustachian tube, by means of which the middle ear communicates
with the pharynx, is partly bony and partly cartilaginous in its structure.
It is about one and a half inches in length ; commencing at its opening in
the pharynx, it passes upward and outward to the spine of the sphenoid
bone, where it is slightly contracted; it then gradually dilates as it passes
backward into the tympanic cavity. It is lined by mucous membrane,
which is continued into the middle ear and into the mastoid cells.
The Eustachian tube permits the passage of air from the pharynx into
the middle ear; in this way the pressure of the air within and without the
membrana tympani is equalized, which is one of the essential conditions
for the reception of sonorous vibrations.
By closing the mouth and nose, and blowing out the cheeks, air can be
forced into the middle ear, producing undue pressure and bulging out of
the membrana tympani; by making an effort at swallowing, with the mouth
and nose closed, the air in the tympanum can be rarefied and the tympanic
membrane will be pressed in. In both such cases the acuteness of hearing
is very much diminished.
The pharyngeal orifice of the Eustachian tube is opened by the action of
certain of the muscles of deglutition, viz.: the levator palati, tensor palati,
and at times the palato-pharyngei muscles.
The Internal Ear, or Labyrinth, is located in the petrous portion
of the temporal bone, and consists of an osseous and membranous
portion. THE SENSE OF HEARING.
139
The Osseous Labyrinth is divisible into three parts, viz.: the vesti-
bule, the semi-circular canals and the cochlea.
The Vestibule is a small, triangular cavity, which communicates with
the middle ear by the foramen ovale; in the natural condition it is closed
by the base of the stapes bone. The filaments of the auditory nerve enter
the vestibule through small foramina in the inner wall, at the fovea hemi-
spherica.
The Semi-circular canals are three in number: the superior vertical,
the inferior vertical and the horizontal, each of which opens into the cavity
of the vestibule by two openings, with the exception of the two vertical,
which at one extremity open by a common orifice.
The Cochlea forms the anterior part of the internal ear. It is a gradu-
ally tapering canal, about one and a half inches in length, which winds
spirally around a central axis, the modiolus, two and a half times. The
interior of the cochlea is partly divided into two passages by a thin plate of
bone, the lamina osseous spiralis, which projects from the central axis two-
thirds across the canal. These passages are termed the scala vestibuli and
the scala tympani, from their communication with the vestibule and tym-
panum. The scala tympani communicates with the middle ear through
the foramen rotundum, which, in the natural condition, is closed by the
second membrana tympani; superiorly they are united by an opening, the
helicotrema.
The whole interior of the labyrinth, the vestibule, the semi-circular
canals, and the scala of the cochlea, contains a clear, limpid fluid, the
peri lymph, secreted by the periosteum lining the osseous walls.
The Membranous Labyrinth corresponds to the osseous labyrinth
with respect to form, though somewhat smaller in size.
The Vestibular portion consists of two small sacs, the utricle and saccule.
The Semi-circular canals communicate with the utricle in the same
manner as the bony canals communicate with the vestibule. The saccule
communicates with the membranous cochlea by the canalis reuniens. In
the interior of the utricle and saccule, at the entrance of the auditory
nerve, are small masses of carbonate of lime crystals, constituting the
otoliths. Their function is unknown.
The Membranous cochlea is a closed tube, commencing by a blind
extremity at the first turn of the cochlea, and terminating at its apex by a
blind extremity also. It is situated between the edge of the osseous lamitia
spiralis and the outer wall of the bony cochlea, and follows it in its turns
around the modiolus.
A transverse section of the cochlea shows that it is divided into two 140
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY.
portions by the osseous lamina and the basilar membrane: I. The
scala vestibuli, bounded by the periosteum and membrane of Reissner.
2. The scala tympani, occupying the inferior portion, and bounded
above by the septum, composed of the osseous lamina and the membrana
basilaris.
The true metnbranous canal is situated between the membrane of Reiss-
ner and the basilar membrane. It is triangular in shape, but is partly
divided into a triangular portion and a quadrilateral portion by the tectorial
membrane.
The Organ of Corti is situated in the quadrilateral portion of the canal,
and consists of pillars or rods, of the consistence of cartilage. They are
arranged in two rows; the one internal, the other external; these rods rest
upon the basilar membrane; their bases are separated from each other, bu
their upper extremities are united, forming an arcade. In the internal row
it is estimated there are about 3500, and in the external row about 5200 of
these rods.
On the inner side of the internal row is a single layer of elongated hair
cells; on the outer surface of the external row are three such layers of
hair cells. Nothing definite is known as to their function.
The Endolymph occupies the interior of the utricle, saccule, membranous
canals, and bathes the structures in the interior of the membranous cochlea,
throughout its entire extent.
The Auditory Nerve at the bottom of the internal auditory meatus
divides into (1) a vestibular branch, which is distributed to the utricle and
semi-circular canals; (2) a cochlear branch, which passes into the central
axis at its base, and ascends to its apex ; as it ascends, fibres are given off,
which pass between the plates of the osseoQs lamina, to be ultimately con-
nected with the organ of Corti.
The Function of the semi-circular canals appears to be to assist in main-
taining the equilibrium of the body; destruction of the vertical canal is
followed by an oscillation of the head upward and downward; destruc-
tion of the horizontal canal is followed by oscillations from left to right.
When the canals are injured on both sides, the animal loses the power of
maintaining equilibrium upon making muscular movements.
Function of the Cochlea. It is regarded as possessing the power of
appreciating the quality of pitch and the shades of different musical
tones. The elements of the organ of Corti are analogous, in some re-
spects, to a musical instrument, and are supposed, by Helmholtz, to be
tuned so as to vibrate in unison with the different tones conveyed to the
internal ear. VOICE AND SPEECH.
141
Summary. The waves of sound are gathered together by the pinna
and external auditory meatus, and conveyed to the membrana tympani.
This membrane, made tense or lax by the action of the tensor tympani
and laxator tympani muscles, is enabled to receive sound waves of either
a high or low pitch. The vibrations are conducted across the middle ear
by the chain of bones to the foramen ovale, and by the column of air of
the tympanum to the foramen rotundum, which is closed by the second
membrana tympani; the pressure of the air in the tympanum being regu-
lated by the Eustachian tube.
The internal ear finally receives the vibrations which excite vibrations
successively in the perilymph, the walls of the membranous labyrinth, the
endolymph, and, lastly, the terminal filaments of the auditory nerve, by
which they are conveyed to the brain.
VOICE AND SPEECH.
The Larynx is the organ of voice. Speech is a modification of voice,
and is produced by the teeth and the muscles of the lips and tongue, co-
ordinated in their action by stimuli derived from the cerebrum.
The Structures entering into the formation of the larynx are mainly
the thyroid, cricoid and arytenoid cartilages; they are so situated and
united by means of ligaments and muscles as to form a firm cartilaginous
box. The Larynx is covered externally by fibrous tissue and lined inter-
nally with mucous membrane.
The Vocal Cords are four ligamentous bands, running antero-posteri-
orly across the upper portion of the larynx, and are divided into the two
superior or false vocal cords, and the two inferior or true vocal cords;
they are attached anteriorly to the receding angle of the thyroid cartilages
and posteriorly to the anterior part of the base of the arytenoid cartilages.
The space between the true vocal cords is the rim a glottidis.
The Muscles which have a direct action upon the movements of the
vocal cords are nine in number, and take their names from their points of
origin and insertion, viz : the two crico-thyroid, two thyro-arytenoid, two
posterior crico-arytenoid, two lateral crico arytenoid, and one arytenoid
muscles.
The crico thyroid muscles, by their contraction, render the vocal cords
more tense by drawing down the anterior portion of the thyroid cartilage
and approximating it to the cricoid, and at the same time tilting the
posterior portion of the cricoid and arytenoid cartilages backward. 142
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY.
The thyro-arytenoid, by their contraction, relax the vocal cords by draw-
ing the arytenoid cartilage forward and the thyroid backward.
The posterior crico-arytenoid muscles, by their contraction rotate the
arytenoid cartilages outward and thus separate the vocal cords and enlarge
the aperture of the glottis. They principally aid the respiratory move-
ments during inspiration.
The lateral crico-arytenoid muscles are antagonistic to the former, and
by their contraction rotate the arytenoid cartilages so as to approximate
the vocal cords and constrict the glottis.
The arytenoid muscle nssists in the closure of the aperture of the glottis.
The inferior laryngeal nerve animates all the muscles of the larynx,
with the exception of the crico-thyroid.
Movements of the Vocal Cords. During respiration the move-
ments of the vocal cords differ from those occurring during the production
of voice.
At each inspiration, the true vocal cords are widely separated, and the
aperture of the glottis is enlarged by the action of the crico-arytenoid
muscles, which rotate outward the anterior angle of the base of the aryte-
noid cartilages; at each expiration the larynx becomes passive; the
elasticity of the vocal cords returns them to their original position, and the
air is forced out by the elasticity of the lungs and the walls of the thorax.
Phonation. As soon as phonation is about to be accomplished a marked
change in the glottis is noticed with the aid of the laryngoscope. The
true vocal cords suddenly become approximated and are made parallel,
giving to the glottis the appearance of a narrow slit, the edges of which
are capable of vibrating accurately and rapidly; at the same time their
tension is much increased.
With the vocal cords thus prepared, the expiratory muscles force the
column of air into the lungs and trachea through the glottis, throwing the
edges of the cords into vibration.
The pitch of sounds depends upon the extent to which the vocal cords
are made tense and the length of the aperture through which the air
passes. In the production of sounds of a high pitch the tension of the
vocal cords becomes very marked, and the glottis diminishes in length.
When grave sounds, having a low pitch, are emitted from the larynx, the
vocal cords are less tense and their vibrations are large and loose.
The quality of voice depends upon the length, size and thickness of the
cords, and the size, form and construction of the trachea, larynx and the
resonant cavities of the pharynx, nose and mouth. VOICE AND SPEECH.
143
The compass of the voice comprehends from two to three octaves. The
range is different in the two sexes; the lowest note of the male being about
one octave lower than the lowest note of the female; while the highest
note of the male is an octave less than the highest of the female.
The varieties of voices, e. g., bass, baritone, tenor, contralto, mezzo-
soprano and soprano, are due to the length of the vocal cords; being
longer when the voice has a low pitch, and shorter when it has a high pitch.
Speech is the faculty of expressing ideas by means of combination of
sounds, in obedience to the dictates of the cerebrum.
Articulate sounds may be divided into vowels and consonants. The
vowel sounds, a, e, i, o, u, are produced in the larynx by the vocal cords.
The consonantal sounds are produced in the air passages above the larynx
by an interruption of the current of air by the lips, tongue and teeth; the
consonants may be divided into : (i) mutes, b, d, k, p, t, c, g; (2) dentals,
d,j. s, t, z; (3) nasals, m, n, ng; (4) labials, b,p,f, v, m; (5) gutturals,
k, g, c, and g hard; (6) liquids, /, m, n, r. 144
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY.
Reproduction is the function by which the species is preserved, and is
accomplished by the organs of generation in the two sexes.
REPRODUCTION.
The Generative Organs of the Female consist of the ovaries, Fal-
lopian tubes, uterus and vagina.
The Ovaries are two small, ovoid, flattened bodies, measuring one
inch and a half in length and three-quarters of an inch in width; they are
situated in the cavity of the pelvis, and imbedded in the posterior layer of
the broad ligament; attached to the uterus by a round ligament, and to
the extremities of the Fallopian tubes by the fimbrise. The ovary consists
of an external membrane of fibrous tissue, the cortical portion, in which
are imbedded the Graafian vesicles, and an internal portion, the stroma,
containing blood vessels.
The Graafian Vesicles are exceedingly numerous, but situated only
in the cortical portion. Although the ovary contains the vesicles from
the period of birth, it is only at the period of puberty that they attain their
full development. From this time onward to the catamenial period, there
is a constant growth and maturation of the Graafian vesicles. They consist
of an external investment, composed of fibrous tissue and blood vessels, in
the interior of which is a layer of cells forming the membrana granulosa ;
at its lower portion there is an accumulation of cells, the proligerous disc,
in which the ovum is contained. The cavity of the vesicle contains a
slightly yellowish, alkaline, albuminous fluid.
The Ovum is a globular body, measuring about the of an inch in
diameter; it consists of an external investing membrane, the vitelline mem-
brane, a central granular substance, the vitellus, or yelk, a nucleus, the
germinal vesicle, in the interior of which is imbedded the nucleolus, or
germinal spot.
The Fallopian Tubes are about four inches in length, and extend
outward from the upper angles of the uterus, between the folds of the
broad ligaments, and terminate in a fringed extremity, which is attached
by one of the fringes to the ovary. They consist of three coats: (i) the
external, or peritoneal, (2) middle, or muscular, the fibres of which are
arranged in a circular or longitudinal direction, (3) internal, or mucous,
GENERATIVE ORGANS OF THE FEMALE. GENERATIVE ORGANS OF THE FEMALE.
145
covered with ciliated epithelial cells, which are always waving from the
ovary toward the uterus.
The Uterus is pyriform in shape, and may be divided into a body
and neck; it measures about three inches in length and two inches in
breadth in the unimpregnated state. At the lower extremity of the neck
is the os externum ; at the junction of the neck with the body is a constric-
tion, the os internum. The cavity of the uterus is triangular in shape, the
walls of which are almost in contact.
The walls of the uterus are made up of several layers of non-striated
muscular fibres, covered externally by peritoneum, and lined internally by
mucous membrane, containing numerous tubular glands, and covered by
ciliated epithelial cells.
The Vagina is a membranous canal, from five to six inches in length,
situated between the rectum and bladder. It extends obliquely upward
from the surface, almost to the brim of the pelvis, and embraces at its
upper extremity the neck of the uterus.
Discharge of the Ovum. As the Graafian vesicle matures, it in-
creases in size, from an augmentation of its liquid contents, and approaches
the surface of the ovary, where it forms a projection, measuring from one-
fourth to one-half an inch in size. The maturation of the vesicle occurs
periodically, about every twenty-eight days, and is attended by the phe-
nomena of menstruation. During this period of active congestion of the
reproductive organs the Graafian vesicle ruptures, the ovum and liquid
contents escape, and are caught by the fimbriated extremity of the Fallo-
pian tube, which has adapted itself to the posterior surface of the ovary.
The passage of the ovum through the Fallopian tube into the uterus occu-
pies from ten to fourteen days, and is accomplished by muscular contraction
and the action of the ciliated epithelium.
Menstruation is a periodical discharge of blood from the mucous
membrane of the uterus, due to a fatty degeneration of the small blood
vessels. Under the pressure of an increased amount of blood in the repro-
ductive organs, attending the process of ovulation, the blood vessels
rupture, and a hemorrhage takes place into the uterine cavity; thence it
passes into the vagina, where it is kept in a fluid condition from admixture
with the vaginal mucus. Menstruation lasts from five to six days, and the
amount of blood discharged averages about five ounces.
Corpus Luteum. For some time anterior to the rupture of a Graa-
fian vesicle, it increases in size and becomes vascular; its walls become
thickened, from the deposition of a reddish-yellow, glutinous substance, a 146
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY.
product of cell growth from the proper coat of the follicle and the membrana
granulosa. After the ovum escapes, there is usually a small effusion of
blood into the cavity of the follicle, which soon coagulates, loses its coloring
matter, and acquires the characteristics of fibrin, but it takes no part in the
formation of the corpus luteum. The walls of the follicle become convo-
luted, vascular, and undergo hypertrophy, until they occupy the whole of
the follicular cavity. At its period of fullest development, the corpus
luteum measures three-fourths of an inch in length and one-half inch in
depth. In a few weeks the mass loses its red color, and becomes yellow,
constituting the corpus luteum or yellow body. It then begins to retract,
and becomes pale; and at the end of two months nothing remains but a
small cicatrix upon the surface of the ovary. Such are the changes in the
follicle, if the ovum has not been impregnated.
The corpus luteum, after impregnation has taken place, undergoes a much
slower development, becomes larger, and continues during the entire
period of gestation. The differences between the corpus luteum of the
unimpregnated and pregnant condition is expressed in the following table
by Dalton :—
Corpus Luteum of Menstruation.
Corpus Luteum of Pregnancy.
At the end of
three weeks.
Three-quarters of an inch in diameter; central clot
reddish; convoluted wall pale.
One month.
Smaller; convoluted
wall bright yellow; clot
still reddish.
Larger; convoluted wall
bright yellow; clot still red-
dish.
Two months.
Reduced to the condi-
tion of an insignificant
cicatrix.
Seven-eighths of an inch
in diameter; convoluted wall
bright yellow; clot perfectly
decolorized.
Seven-eighths of an inch
in diameter; clot pale and
fibrinous; convoluted wall
dull yellow.
Four months.
Absent or unnotice-
able.
Six months.
Absent.
Still as large as at the end
of second month; clot fibrin -
ous; convoluted wall paler.
Nine months.
Absent.
Half an inch in diameter;
central clot converted into a
radiating cicatrix; external
wall tolerably thick and
convoluted, but without any
bright yellow color. GENERATIVE ORGANS OF THE MALE.
147
GENERATIVE ORGANS OF THE MALE.
The Generative Organs of the Male consist of the testicles, vasa
deferentia, vesiculae seminales and penis.
The Testicles, the essential organs of reproduction in the male, are
two oblong glands, about an inch and a half in length, compressed from
side to side, and situated in the cavity of the scrotum.
The proper coat of the testicle, the tunica albuginea, is a white, fibrous
structure, about the of an inch in thickness; after enveloping the testicle,
it is reflected into its interior at the posterior border, and forms a vertical
process, the mediastinum testes, from which septa are given off, dividing the
testicle in lobules.
The substance of the testicle is made up of the seminiferous tubules,
which exist to the number of 840; they are exceedingly convoluted, and
when unraveled, are about 30 inches in length. As they pass toward the
apices of the lobules they become less convoluted and terminate in from 20
to 30 straight ducts, the vasa recta, which pass upward through the medias-
tinum and constitute the rete testis. At the upper part of the mediastinum
the tubules unite to form from 9 to 30 small ducts, the vasa efferentia, which
become convoluted, and form the globus major of the epididytnis; the
continuation of the tubes downward behind the testicle and a second con-
volution constitutes the body and globus 7ninor.
The seminal tubule consists of a basement membrane lined by granular
nucleated epithelium.
The Vas Deferens, the excretory duct of the testicle, is about two
feet in length, and may be traced upward from the epididymis to the under
surface of the base of the bladder, where it unites with the duct of the vesi-
cula seminalis, to form the ejaculatory duct.
The Vesiculae Seminales are two lobulated, pyriform bodies, about
two inches in length, situated on the under surface of the bladder.
They have an external fibrous coat, a middle muscular coat, and an in-
ternal mucous coat, covered by epithelium, which secretes a mucous fluid.
The vesicuke seminales serve as reservoirs, in which the seminal fluid is
temporarily stored up.
The Ejaculatory Duct, about of an inch in length, opens into the
urethra, and is formed by the union of the vasa deferentia and the ducts
of the vesiculae seminales.
The Prostate Gland surrounds the posterior extremity of the urethra,
and opens into it by from twenty to thirty openings, the orifices of the pros- 148
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY.
tatic tubules. The gland secretes a fluid which forms part of the semen,
and assists in maintaining the vitality of the spermatozoa.
Semen is a complex fluid, made up of the secretions from the testicles,
the vesiculse seminales, the prostatic and urethral glands. It is grayish-
white in color, mucilaginous in consistence, of a characteristic odor, and
somewhat heavier than water. From half a drachm to a drachm is ejacu-
lated at each orgasm.
The Spermatozoa are peculiar anatomical elements, developed within
the seminal tubules, and possess the power of spontaneous movement.
The spermatozoa consist of a conoidal head and a long filamentous tail,
which is in continuous and active motion; as long as they remain in the
vas deferens they are quiescent, but when free to move in the fluid of the
vesiculge seminales, become very active.
Origin. The spermatozoa appear at the age of puberty, and are then
constantly formed until an advanced age. They are developed from the
nuclei of large, round cells contained in the interior of the seminal
tubules, as many as fifteen to twenty developing in a single cell.
When the spermatozoa are introduced into the vagina, they pass readily
into the uterus and through the Fallopian tubes toward the ovaries, where
they remain and retain their vitality for a period of from 8 to io days.
Fecundation is the union of the spermatozoa with the ovum during its
passage toward the uterus, and usually takes place in the Fallopian tube,
just outside of the womb. After floating around the ovum in an active
manner, they penetrate the vitelline membrane, pass into the interior of the
vitellus, where they lose their vitality, and along with the germinal vesicle
entirely disappear.
DEVELOPMENT OF ACCESSORY STRUCTURES.
Segmentation of the Vitellus. After the disappearance of the
spermatozoa and the germinal vesicle there remains a transparent, granular,
albuminous substance, in the centre of which a new nucleus soon appears;
this constitutes the parent cell, and is the first stage in the development of
the new being.
Following this, the vitellus undergoes segmentation; a constriction
appears on the opposite sides of the vitellus, which gradually deepens,
until the yelk is divided into two segments, each of which has a distinct
nucleus and nucleolus; these two segments undergo a further division into
four, the four into eight, the eight into sixteen, and so on, until the entire DEVELOPMENT OF ACCESSORY STRUCTURES.
149
vitellus is divided into a great number of cells, each of which contains a
nucleus and nucleolus.
The peripheral cells of this “mulberry mass” then arrange themselves
so as to form a membrane, and as they are subjected to mutual pressure,
assume a polyhedral shape, which gives to the membrane a mosaic appear-
ance. The central part of the vitellus becomes filled with a clear fluid.
A secondary membrane shortly appears within the first, and the two to-
gether constitute the external and internal blastodermic membranes.
Germinal Area. At about this period there is an accumulation of
cells at a certain spot upon the surface of the blastodermic membranes,
which marks the position of the future embryo. This spot, at first circular,
soon becomes elongated, and forms the primitive trace, around which is a
clear space, the area pellucida, which is itself surrounded by a darker
region, the area opaca.
The primitive trace soon disappears, and the area pellucida becomes
guitar-shaped; a new groove, the medullary groove, is now formed, which
develops from before backward, and becomes the neural canal.
Blastodermic Membranes. The embryo, at this period, consists of
three layers, viz.: the external and internal blastodermic membranes, and
a middle membrane formed by a genesis of cells from their internal sur-
faces. These layers are known as the epiblast, mesoblast and hypoblast.
The Epiblast gives rise to the central nervous system, the epidermis of
the skin and its appendages, and the primitive kidneys.
The Alesoblast gives rise to the dermis, muscles, bones, nerves, blood
vessels, sympathetic nervous system, connective tissue, the urinary and
reproductive apparatus and the walls of the alimentary canal.
The Hypoblast gives rise to the epithelial lining of the alimentary canal
and its glandular appendages, the liver and pancreas, and the epithelium
of the respiratory tract.
Dorsal Laminae. As development advances, the true medullary groove
deepens, and there arise two longitudinal elevations of the epiblast, the
dorsal lamince, one on either side of the groove, which grow up, arch
over and unite so as to form a closed tube, the primitive central nervous
system.
The Chorda Dorsalis is a cylindrical rod running almost throughout
the entire length of the embryo. It is formed by an aggregation of meso-
blastic cells, and situated immediately beneath the medullary groove.
Primitive Vertebrae. On either side of the neural canal the cells
of the mesoblast undergo a longitudinal thickening, which develops and 150
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY.
extends around the neural canal and the chorda dorsalis, and forms the
arches and bodies of the vertebrae. They become divided transversely
into four-sided segments.
The Mesoblast now separates into two layers; the external, joining with
the epiblast, forms the somatopleure; the internal, joining with the hypo-
blast, forms the splanchnopleure ; the space between them constituting the
pleuro-peritoneal cavity.
Visceral Laminae. The walls of the pleuro-peritoneal cavity are
formed by a downward prolongation of the somatopleure (the visceral
lamince), which, as they extend around in front, pinch off a portion of the
yelk sac (formed by the splanchnopleure), which becomes the primitive
alimentary canal; the lower portion, remaining outside of the body cavity,
forms the umbilical vesicle, which after a time disappears.
Formation of Fcetal Membranes. The Amnion appears shortly
after the embryo begins to develop, and is formed by folds of the epiblast
and external layer of the mesoblast, rising up in front and behind, and on
each side; these amniotic folds gradually extend over the back of the
embryo to a certain point, where they coalesce, and enclose a cavity, the
amniotic cavity. The membranous partition between the folds disappears,
and the outer layer recedes and becomes blended with the vitelline mem-
brane, constituting the chorion, the external covering of the embryo.
The Allantois. As the amnion develops, there grows out from the
posterior portion of the alimentary canal a pouch, or diverticulum, the
allantois, which carries blood vessels derived from the intestinal circula-
tion. As it gradually enlarges, it becomes more vascular, and inserts
itself between the two layers of the amnion, coming into intimate contact
with the external layer. Finally, from increased growth, it completely
surrounds the embryo, and its edges become fused together.
In the bird, the allantois is a respiratory organ, absorbing oxygen and
exhaling carbonic acid; it also absorbs nutritious matter from the interior
of the egg.
Amniotic fluid. The amnion, when first formed, is in close contact
with the surface of the ovum ; but it soon enlarges, and becomes filled
with a clear, transparent fluid, containing albumen, glucose, fatty matters,
urea and inorganic salts. It increases in amount up to the latter period of
gestation, when it amounts to about two pints. In the space between the
amnion and allantois is a gelatinous material, which is encroached upon,
and finally disappears as the amnion and allantois come in contact, at
about the fifth month. DEVELOPMENT OF ACCESSORY STRUCTURES.
151
The Chorion, the external investment of the embryo, is formed by a
fusion of the original vitelline membrane, the external layer of the amnion,
and the allantois. The external surface now becomes covered with villous
processes, which increase in number and size by the continual budding
and growth of club-shaped processes from the main stem, and give to the
chorion a shaggy appearance. They consist of a homogeneous granular
matter, and are penetrated by branches of the blood vessels derived from
the aorta.
The presence of villous processes in the uterine cavity is proof positive
of the previous existence of a foetus. They are characteristic of the
chorion, and are found under no other circumstances.
At about the end of the second month the villosities begin to atrophy
and disappear from the surface of the chorion, with the exception of those
situated at the points of entrance of the foetal blood vessels, which occupy
about one-third of its surface, where they continue to grow longer, become
more vascular, and ultimately assist in the formation of the placenta; the
remaining two-thirds of the surface loses its villi and blood vessels, and
becomes a simple membrane.
The Umbilical Cord connects the foetus with that portion of the
chorion which forms the foetal side of the placenta. It is a process of the
allantois, and contains two arteries and a vein, which have a more or less
spiral direction. It appears at the end of the first month, and gradually
increases in length, until at the end of gestation it measures about 20
inches. The cord is also surrounded by a process of the amnion.
Development of the Decidual Membrane. The interior of the
uterus is lined by a thin, delicate mucous membrane, in which are im-
bedded immense numbers of tubules, terminating in blind extremities, the
uterine tubules. At each period of menstruation the mucous membrane
becomes thickened and vascular, which condition, however, disappears
after the usual menstrual discharge. When the ovum becomes fecundated,
the mucous membrane takes on an increased growth, becomes more hyper-
trophied and vascular, sends up little processes, or elevations from its sur-
face, and constitutes the decidua vera.
As the ovum passes from the Fallopian tube into the interior of the
uterus, the primitive vitelline membrane, covered with villosities, becomes
entangled with the processes of the mucous membrane. A portion of the
decidua vera then grows up on all sides, and encloses the ovum, forming
the decidua reflexa, while the villous processes of the chorion insert them-
selves into the uterine tubules, and in the mucous membrane between
them. 152
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY.
As development advances the decidua reflexa increases in size, and at
about the end of the fourth month comes in contact with the decidua vera,
with which it is ultimately fused.
The Placenta. Of all the embryonic structures, the placenta is the
most important. It begins to be formed toward the end of the second
month, and then increases in size until the end of gestation, when it assumes
an oval or rounded shape, and measures from 7 to 9 inches in length, 6 to 8
inches in breadth, and weighs from 15 to 20 ounces. It is most frequently
situated at the upper and posterior part of the inner surface of the uterus.
The placenta consists of two portions, a foetal and a maternal.
The Foetal portion is formed by the villi of the chorion, which, by devel-
oping, rapidly increase in size and number. They become branched and
penetrate the uterine tubules, which enlarge and receive their many rami-
fications. The capillary blood vessels in the interior of the villi also en-
large and freely anastomose with each other.
The Maternal portion is formed from that part of the hypertrophied and
vascular decidual membrane between the ovum and the uterus, the decidua
serotina. As the placenta increases in size, the maternal blood vessels
around the tubules become more and more numerous, and gradually fuse
together, forming great lakes, which constitute sinuses in the walls of the
uterus.
As the latter period of gestation approaches, the villi extend deeper into
the decidua, while the sinuses in the maternal portion become larger and
extend further into the chorion. Finally, from excessive development of
the blood vessels, the structures between them disappear, and as their walls
come in contact, they fuse together, so that, ultimately, the maternal and
foetal blood are only separated by a thin layer of a homogeneous substance.
When fully formed, the placenta consists principally of blood vessels inter-
lacing in every direction. The blood of the mother passes from the ute-
rine vessels into the lakes surrounding the villi; the blood from the child
flows from the umbilical arteries into the interior of the villi; but there is
not at any time an intermingling of blood, the two being separated by a
delicate membrane formed by a fusion of the walls of the blood vessels
and the walls of the villi and uterine sinuses.
The function of the placenta is that of a respiratory organ, permitting
the oxygen of the maternal blood to pass by osmosis through the delicate
placental membrane into the blood of the foetus; at the same time permit-
ting the carbonic acid and other waste products, the result of nutritive
changes in the foetus, to pass into the maternal blood, and so to be carried
to the various eliminating organs. DEVELOPMENT OF THE EMBRYO.
153
Through the placenta also passes all the nutritious materials of the
maternal blood which are essential for the development of the embryo.
At about the middle of gestation there develops beneath the decidual
membrane a new mucous membrane, destined to perform the functions of
the old when it is extruded from the womb, along with the other embryonic
structures, during parturition.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE EMBRYO,
Nervous System. The cerebro-spinal axis is formed within the me-
dullary canal by the development of cells from its inner surfaces, which
as they increase fill up the canal, and there remains only the central canal
of the cord. The external surface gives rise to the dura mater and pia
mater. The neural canal thus formed is a tubular membrane; it termi-
nates posteriorly in an oval dilatation, and anteriorly in a bulbous extremity,
which soon becomes partially contracted, and forms the anterior, middle
and posterior cerebral vesicles, from which are ultimately developed the
cerebrum, the corpora quadrigemina, and medulla oblongata, respectively.
The anterior vesicle soon subdivides into two secondary vesicles, the
larger of which becomes the hemispheres, the smaller, the optic thalami;
the posterior vesicle also divides into two; the anterior becoming the
cerebellum, the posterior, the pons Varolii and medulla oblongata.
About the seventh week the straight chain of cerebral vesicles becomes
curved from behind forward and forms three prominent angles. As devel-
opment advances, the relative size of the encephalic masses changes. The
cerebrum developing more rapidly than the posterior portion of the brain,
soon grows backward and arches over the optic thalami and the tubercula
quadrigemina; the cerebellum overlaps the medulla oblongata.
The surface of the cerebral hemispheres is at first smooth, but at about the
fourth month begins to be marked by the future fissures and convolutions.
The Eye is formed from a little bud projecting from the side of the
anterior vesicle. It is at first hollow, but becomes lined with nervous
matter, forming the optic nerve and retina ; the remainder of the cavity is
occupied by the vitreous body. The anterior portion of the pouch becomes
invaginated and receives the crystalline lens, which is a product of the
epiblast, as is also the cornea. The iris appears as a circular membrane
without a central aperture, about the seventh week; the eyelids are formed
between the second and third months.
The Internal Ear is developed from the auditory vesicle, budding
from the third cerebral vesicle; the membranous vestibule appears first?, 154
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY.
and from it diverticula are given off, which become the semi-circular
canals and cochlea.
The cavity of the tympanum, the Eustachian tube, and the external
auditory canal are the remains of the first branchial cleft; the cavity of this
cleft being subdivided into the tympanum and external auditory meatus by
the membrana tympani.
The Skeleton. The chorda dorsalis, the primitive part of the verte-
bral column, is a cartilaginous rod situated beneath the medullary groove.
It is a temporary structure, and disappears as the true bony vertebras
develop. On either side are the quadrate masses of the mesoblast, the
primitive vertebrae, which send processes upward and around the medul-
lary groove, and downward and around the chorda dorsalis, forming in
these situations the arches and bodies of the future vertebrae.
More externally the outer layer of the mesoblast and epiblast arch
downward and forward, forming the ventral laminae, in which develop
the muscles and bones of the abdominal walls.
The true cranium is an anterior development of the vertebral column,
and consists of the occipital, parietal and frontal segments, which corres-
pond to the three cerebral vesicles. The base of the cranium consists, at
this period, of a cartilaginous rod on either side of the anterior extremity
of the chorda dorsalis, in which three centres of ossification appear, the
basi-occipital, the basi-sphenoidal, and the pre-sphenoidal. They ultimately
develop into the basilar process of the occipital bone and the body of the
sphenoid.
The entire skeleton is at first either membranous or cartilaginous. At
the beginning of the second month centres of ossification appear in the
jaws and clavicle; as development advances, the ossific points in all the
future bones extend, until ossification is completed.
The limbs develop from four little buds projecting from the sides of the
embryo, which, as they increase in length, separate into the thigh, leg and
foot, and the arm, forearm and hand; the extremities of the limbs undergo
subdivision, to form the fingers and toes.
Face and Visceral Arches. In the facial and cervical regions the
visceral laminae send up three processes, the visceral arches, separated by
clefts, the visceral clefts.
The first, or the mandibular arches, unite in the median line to form
the lower jaw, and superiorly form the malleus. A process jutting from
its base grows forward, unites with the fronto-nasal process growing from
above, and forms the upper jaw. When the superior maxillary processes 155
fail to unite, there results the cleft-palate deformity; if the integument also
fails to unite, there results the hare lip deformity. The space above the
mandibular arch becomes the mouth.
The second arch develops the incus and stapes bones, the styloid process
and ligament, and the lesser cornu of the hyoid bone. The cleft between
the first and second arches partially closes up, but there remains an open-
ing at the side which becomes the Eustachian tube, tympanic cavity, and
external auditory meatus.
The third arch develops the body and greater cornu of the hyoid
bone.
Alimentary Canal and its Appendages. The alimentary canal is
formed by a pinching off of the yelk sac by the visceral plates as they
grow downward and forward. It consists of three distinct portions, the
fore gut, the hind gut, and the central part, which communicates for some
time with the yelk sac. It is at first a straight tube, closed at both
extremities, lying just beneath the vertebral column. The canal gradu-
ally increases in length, and becomes more or less convoluted; at its
anterior portion two pouches appear, which become the cardiac and
pyloric extremities of the stomach. At about the seventh week the
inferior extremity of the intestine is brought into communication with the
exterior, by an opening, the anus. Anteriorly the mouth and pharynx are
formed by an involution of epiblast, which deepens until it communicates
with the fore gut.
The Liver appears as a slight protrusion from the sides of the alimen-
tary canal, about the end of the first month; it grows very rapidly, attains
a large size, and almost fills up the abdominal cavity. The hepatic cells
are derived from the intestinal epithelium, the vessels and connective
tissue from the mesoblast.
The Pancreas is formed by the hypoblastic membrane. It originates
in two small ducts budding from the duodenum, which divide and subdi-
vide, and develop the glandular structure.
The Ltmgs are developed from the anterior part of the oesophagus. At
first a small bud appears, which, as it lengthens, divides into two branches;
secondary and tertiary processes are given off these, which form the bron-
chial tubes and air cells. The lungs originally extended into the abdomi-
nal cavity, but became confined to the thorax by the development of the
diaphragm.
The Bladder is formed by a dilatation of that portion of the allantois
remaining within the abdominal cavity. It is at first pear-shaped, and
communicates with the intestine, but later becomes separated, and opens
DEVELOPMENT OF THE EMBRYO. 156
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY.
exteriorly by the urethra. It is attached to the abdominal walls by a
rounded cord, the urachus, the remains of a portion of the allantois.
Genito-Urinary Apparatus. The Wolffian bodies appear about the
thirtieth day, as long hollow tubes running along each side of the primi-
tive vertebral column. They are temporary structures, and are sometimes
called the primordial kidneys. The Wolffian bodies consist of tubules
which run transversely and are lined with epithelium ; internally they
become invaginated to receive tufts of blood vessels; externally they open
into a common excretory duct, the duct of the Wolffian body, which unites
with the duct of the opposite body, and empties into the intestinal canal
at a point opposite the allantois. On the outer side of the Wolffian body
there appears another duct, the duct of Muller, which also opens into the
intestine.
Behind the Wolffian bodies are developed the structures which become
either the ovaries or testicles. In the development of the female, the
Wolffian bodies and their ducts disappear; the extremities of the Mullerian
ducts dilate and form the fimbriated extremity of the Fallopian tubes, while
the lower portions coalesce to form the body of the uterus and vagina,
which now separate themselves from the intestine.
In the development of the male, the Mullerian ducts atrophy, and
the ducts of the Wolffian body ultimately form the epididymis and vas
deferens. About the seventh month the testicles begin to descend,
and by the ninth month have passed through the abdominal ring into
the scrotum.
The Kidneys are developed out of the Wolffian bodies. They consist of
little pyramidal lobules, composed of tubules which open at the apex into
the pelvis. As they pass outward they become convoluted and cup-shaped
at their extremities, receive a tuft of blood vessels, and form the Mal-
pighian bodies.
The ureters are developed from the kidneys, and pass downward to be
connected with the bladder.
The Circulatory Apparatus assumes three different forms at different
periods of life, all having reference to the manner in which the embryo
receives nutritious matter and is freed of waste products.
The Vitelline circulation appears first and absorbs nutritious material
from the vitellus. It is formed by blood vessels which emerge from the
body and ramify over a portion of the vitelline membrane, constituting the
area vasculosa. The heart, lying in the median line, gives off two arches
which unite to form the abdominal aorta, from which two large arteries
are given off, passing into the vascular area; the venous blood is returned DEVELOPMENT OF THE EMBRYO.
157
by veins which enter the heart. These vessels are known as the omphalo-
mesenteric arteries and veins. The vitelline circulation is of short dura-
tion in the mammals, as the supply of nutritious matter in the vitellus soon
becomes exhausted.
The Placental circulation becomes established when the blood vessels
in the allantois enter the villous processes of the chorion and come into
close relationship with the maternal blood vessels. This circulation lasts
during the whole of intra-uterine life, but gives way at birth to the adult
circulation, the change being made possible by the development of the
circulatory apparatus.
The Heart appears as a mass of cells coming off from the anterior por-
tion of the intestine; its central part liquefies, and pulsations soon begin.
The heart is at first tubular, receiving posteriorly the venous trunks and
giving off anteriorly the arterial trunks. It soon becomes twisted upon
itself, so that the two extremities lie upon the same plane.
The heart now consists of a single auricle and a single ventricle. A
septum growing from the apex of the ventricle divides it into two cavities,
a right and a left. The auricles also become partly separated by a septum
which is perforated by the foramen ovale. The arterial trunk becomes
separated by a partition, into two canals, which become, ultimately, the
aorta and pulmonary artery. The auricles are separated from the ventri-
cles by incomplete septa, through which the blood passes into the ventricles.
Arteries. The aorta arises from the cephalic extremity of the heart and
divides into two branches which ascend, one on each side of the intestine,
and unite posteriorly to form the main aorta; posteriorly to these first
aortic arches four others are developed, so that there are five altogether
running along the visceral arches. The two anterior soon disappear. The
third arch becomes the internal carotid and the external carotid; a part
of the fourth arch, on the right side, becomes the subclavian artery, and
the remainder atrophies and disappears, but on the left side it enlarges
and becomes the permanent aorta; the fifth arch becomes the pulmonary
artery on the left side. The communication between the pulmonary artery
and the aorta, the ductus arteriosus, disappears at an early period.
Veins. The venous system appears first as two short, transverse veins,
the canals of Cuvier, formed by the union of the vertebral veins and the
cardinal veins, which empty into the auricle. The inferior vena cava is
formed as the kidneys develop, by the union of the renal veins, which, in
a short time, receive branches from the lower extremities. The sub-
clavian veins join the jugular as the upper extremities develop. The heart
descends in the thorax, and the canals of Cuvier become oblique; they 158
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY.
shortly communicate by a transverse duct, which ultimately becomes the
left innominate vein. The left canal of Cuvier atrophies and becomes a
fibrous cord. A transverse branch now appears, which carries the blood
from the left cardinal vein into the right, and becomes the vena azygos
minor; the right cardinal vein becomes the vena azygos major.
Circulation of Blood in the Foetus. The blood returning from the
placenta, after having received oxygen, and being freed from carbonic acid,
is carried by the umbilical vein to the under surface of the liver ; here a
portion of it passes through the ductus venosus into the ascending vena
cava, while the remainder flows through the liver, and passes into the vena
cava by the hepatic veins. When the blood is emptied into the right
auricle, it is directed by the Eustachian valve, through the foramen ovale,
into the left auricle, thence into the left ventricle, and so into the aorta to
all parts of the system. The venous blood returning from the head and
upper extremities is emptied, by the superior vena cava, into the right
auricle, from which it passes into the right ventricle, and thence into the
pulmonary artery. Owing to the condition of the lung, only a small por-
tion flows through the pulmonary capillaries, the greater part passing
through the ductus arteriosus, which opens into the aorta at a point below
the origin of the carotid and subclavian arteries. The mixed blood now
passes down the aorta to supply the lower extremities, but a portion of
it is directed, by the hypogastric arteries, to the placenta, to be again
oxygenated.
At birth, the placental circulation gives way to the circulation of the
adult. As soon as the child begins to breathe, the lungs expand, blood
flows freely through the pulmonary capillaries, and the ductus arteriosus
begins to contract. The foramen ovale closes about the tenth day. The
unbilical vein, the ductus venosus, and the hypogastric arteries become
impervious in several days, and ultimately form rounded cords. TABLE OF PHYSIOLOGICAL CONSTANTS.
159
TABLE OF PHYSIOLOGICAL CONSTANTS.
Mean height of male, 5 feet 6]4 inches ; of female, 5 feet 2 inches.
Mean weight of male, 145 pounds; of female, 121 pounds.
Number of chemical elements in the human body; from 16 to 18.
Number of proximate principles in the human body; about 100.
Amount of water in the body weighing 145 pounds; 108 pounds.
Amount of solids in the body weighing 145 pounds; 36 pounds.
Amount of food required daily; 16 ounces meat, 19 ounces of bread,
ounces of fat, 52 ounces of water.
Amount of saliva secreted in 24 hours ; about pounds.
Function of saliva ; converts starch into glucose.
Active principle of saliva; ptyalin.
Amount of gastric juice secreted in 24 hours; from 8 to 14 pounds.
Functions of gastric juice ; converts albumen into albuminose.
Active principles of gastric juice ; pepsin and hydrochloric acid.
Duration of digestion; from 3 to 5 hours.
Amount of intestinal juice secreted in 24 hours; about 1 pound.
Function of intestinal juice ; converts starch into glucose.
Amount of pancreatic juice secreted in 24 hours; about pounds.
Active principles of pancreatic juice; pancreatin and trypsin.
1. Emulsifies fats.
2. Converts albumen into albuminose.
3. Converts starch into glucose.
Functions:
Amount of bile poured into the intestines daily; about pounds.
1. Assists in the emulsification of fats.
2. Stimulates the peristaltic movements.
3. Prevents putrefactive changes in the food.
4. Promotes the absorption of the fat.
Functions:
Amount of blood in the body; from 16 to 18 pounds.
Size of red corpuscles ; -j2V