Physiology and Hygiene for Secondary SchoolsWalters, Francis M. (Francis Marion)
Science
Physiology and Hygiene for Secondary Schools
Walters, Francis M. (Francis Marion)
Physiology
*The Cerebellum* is a flat and somewhat triangular structure with its
upper surface fitting into the triangular under surface of the back of the
cerebrum. It is divided into three lobes—a central lobe and two lateral
lobes—and weighs about two and one half ounces. In its general form and
appearance, as well as in the arrangement of its cell-bodies and axons,
the cerebellum resembles the cerebrum. It differs from the cerebrum,
however, in being more compact, and in having its surface covered with
narrow, transverse ridges instead of the irregular and broader
convolutions (Fig. 132).
*The Pons*, or pons Varolii, named from its supposed resemblance to a
bridge, is situated in front of the cerebellum, and is readily recognized
as a circular expansion which extends forward from that body. It consists
largely of bands of nerve fibers, between which are several small masses
of cell-bodies. The fibers connect with different parts of the cerebellum
and with parts above.
[Fig. 132]
Fig. 132—*Human brain* viewed from below. _C._ Cerebrum. _Cb._ Cerebellum.
_M._ Midbrain. _P._ Pons. _B._ Bulb. I-XII. Cranial nerves.
*The Bulb*, or medulla oblongata, is, properly speaking, an enlargement of
the spinal cord within the cranial cavity. It is somewhat triangular in
shape, and lies immediately below the cerebellum. It contains important
clusters of cell-bodies, as well as the nerve fibers that pass from the
spinal cord to the brain.
*The Spinal Cord.*—This division of the central nervous system is about
seventeen inches in length and two thirds of an inch in diameter. It does
not extend the entire length of the spinal cavity, as might be supposed,
but terminates at the lower margin of the first lumbar vertebra.(100) It
connects at the upper end with the bulb, and terminates at the lower
extremity in a number of large nerve roots, which are continuous with the
nerves of the hips and legs (Fig. 133). Two deep fissures, one in front
and the other at the back, extend the entire length of the cord, and
separate it into two similar divisions. These are connected, however,
along their entire length by a central band consisting of both gray and
white matter.
[Fig. 133]
Fig. 133—*Spinal cord*, showing on one side the nerves and ganglia with
which it is closely related in function. _A._ Bulb. _B._ Cervical
enlargement. _C._ Lumbar enlargement. _D._ Termination of cord. _E._ Nerve
roots that occupy the spinal cavity below the cord. _P._ Pons. _D.G._
Dorsal root ganglia. _S.G._ Sympathetic ganglia. _N._ Nerve trunks to
upper and lower extremities.
The arrangement of the neurons of the spinal cord is just the reverse of
that in the cerebrum—the center being occupied by a double column of
cell-bodies, which give it a grayish appearance, while the fibers occupy
the outer portion of the cord, giving it a whitish appearance.
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