General Anatomy, Applied to Physiology and Medicine, Vol. 2 (of 3)Bichat, Xavier
Science
General Anatomy, Applied to Physiology and Medicine, Vol. 2 (of 3)
Bichat, Xavier
Human anatomy; Human physiology
When we expose the corpus cavernosum to the action of the nitric acid,
the spongy texture, freed from the blood it contained, becomes of
a much deeper yellow than the fibrous membrane; this enables us to
distinguish them clearly from each other.
By exposing the testicle to the action of boiling water, we also
observe that its internal texture assumes an aspect wholly different
from that of its external membrane; it becomes of a deep brown, whilst
the other remains white; it does not assume the gelatinous appearance
in so decided or in so prompt a manner as that of the corpus cavernosum.
Subjected to maceration, the testicle is also wholly different in its
covering and in its internal texture.
The surface of the fibrous membranes, opposite to that which
corresponds to their organ, is joined to the neighbouring parts,
sometimes in a loose manner, as the covering of the corpus cavernosum,
sometimes by very tight bands, as the dura-mater. In general the
membranes, and even all the fibrous organs, have a singular tendency
to unite intimately to the serous and mucous surfaces. We find examples
of this in the serous membranes in the union of the dura-mater with
the arachnoides, of the albuginea with the tunica vaginalis, and the
fibrous capsules with the synovial. Such is the intimacy of this
adhesion, that the most careful dissection cannot destroy it in adult
age. In infancy, it is much less, as we see very well especially in
the relation that exists between the base of the pericardium and
the phrenic centre, a relation which is such, that we can with ease
separate in the first age the two surfaces which are rather contiguous
than continuous, whilst in the after ages we are unable to do it.
As to the union of the mucous surfaces with the fibrous, when they are
found contiguous, they are entirely confounded; this is observed in
the pituitary membrane, in that of the sinuses, of the ear, &c. The
perichondrium of the larynx and of the trachea is only a part of their
internal membrane. In all these parts, the periosteum so intermixes
with the mucous surface, that it is impossible to separate them, and
they are removed together from the bone, which then remains bare. The
vas deferens, the fallopian tubes, the ureters, &c. are also very
evidently fibro-mucous.
II. _Organization of the Fibrous Membranes._
The fibrous membranes have in general a very compact texture, of a
remarkable thickness; they are formed only of a single lamina. The
dura-mater seems to be an exception to this rule, as its folds form
the falciform process and the tentorium cerebelli; but except at the
place of the sinuses, it is difficult and even impossible, to find two
distinct laminæ.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account