A probationary essay, on the causes and treatment of lateral curvature of the human spine; submitted ... to ... the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh / [Robert Knox].

  • Knox, Robert, 1791-1862.
Date:
1825
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A probationary essay, on the causes and treatment of lateral curvature of the human spine; submitted ... to ... the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh / [Robert Knox]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    CHAPTER II. BRIEF VIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE SPINAL COLUMN, AND ITS APPEARANCES IN A HEALTHY STATE. FROM the lowermost lumbar vertebra, or that rest¬ ing on the sacrum, the spinal column gradually di¬ minishes in size, and there is a proportional dimi¬ nution of the central canal, containing the medulla spinalis. This decrease in the size of the vertebras, continues to about the middle of the back, where the column again expands (and with it the central ca¬ nal) in proceeding upwards towards the cervical vertebrae #. The muscles intended to sustain the trunk in cequilibrio, and to raise and support it in the erect position, are situated on its dorsal or posterior as¬ pect. They are attached to powerful processes, or osseous projections, which contribute to give a great¬ er extent for the origin of muscular fibres, and a more extended sphere of action. The greatest va¬ riety in the bulk and extent of these muscles may be observed in different individuals, from the al- * In the foetus, the spine is evidently thicker at the neck than at the loins. B