Ourselves, our food, and our physic / [Benjamin Ridge].

  • Ridge, Benjamin
Date:
1884
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Ourselves, our food, and our physic / [Benjamin Ridge]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    like bone at the back, which forms the base of the spinal column. This with the hips being circular and well united, will be seen to be the centre of strength, on which all the upper members rest, and wherein the lower limbs move easily. The spinal column, or the backbone, consists of a series of bones called vertebrae ; the lower, numbering five, are called the lumbar or loins ; above these are twelve, called the dorsal or back, then seven above these, called the cervical or neck; these are surmounted by the head. Between each vertebra are natural buffers called cartilages, all held together by strong ligaments, so that the whole column can bear the heaviestweights orpressure; concussion from either leaping or jumping being thus prevented. There is a continuous hollow' through every vertebra for the lodgment and security of the spinal marrow, which is a continuation of the same nerve matter as the brain. The head or skull, apparently but one bone, consists of several: that portion forming the face is also composed of a variety, namely, the nose, sockets for the eyes, cheeks, &c. The ear bones are thick and strong, and form the base on each side from which the arches of the skull arise. The distinct bones of the head are the forehead, the sides, and the back part. The ribs are circular bones fixed at one end to the back vertebrae, and coming round to the front, are inserted into the straight flat breastbone, by which arrange¬ ment the cavity of the chest is formed. At the top of the ribs in front there are the collar bones, which connect the shoulders on each side to the breast bone, and at the back two blade or shoulder bones, which help to form the sockets for each arm. These have one bone from the shoulder to the elbowg and two from the elbow to the wrist, forming the fore-arm, whilst the wrists and hands are composed of many bones similar to the ankles and feet. The bones themselves are porous, the long shaft bones being hollowed, and having an internal pith or marrow. Externally they are covered with a thick tough skin peculiar to them, which adds greatly to their strength. The number of bones of the body have been estimated by various anatomists at 200, 253, and 197, the difference being simply in their divisions, especially of those which are so combined as to form appa¬ rently only one, yet may be separated into more.