The zoology of the voyage of H.M.S. Beagle [vol. 1 of 5] : $b Fossil mammaliaOwen, Richard
Science
The zoology of the voyage of H.M.S. Beagle [vol. 1 of 5] : $b Fossil mammalia
Owen, Richard
Beagle Expedition (1831-1836); Mammals, Fossil; Paleontology -- South America; Zoology
convexity of which is directed towards, and in most cases is in close
contiguity with, the layer of dense dentine.
Fine calcigerous tubes are every where given off at right angles from
the medullary canals of the cæmentum, which form a rich reticulation in
their interspaces, and a direct continuation between the loops of the
medullary canals and the calcigerous tubes of the dense dentine. The
cæmentum differs from the coarse dentine in the larger size and wider
interspaces of its medullary canals, and by the presence of the
bone-corpuscles in their interspaces; but they are brought into organic
communication with each other, not only by means of the tubes of the
dense dentine, but by occasional continuity of the medullary canals
across that substance. The tooth of the Megatherium thus offers an
unequivocal example of a course of nutriment from the dentine to the
cæmentum, and reciprocally. Retzius observes with respect to the human
tooth, that “the fine tubes of the cæmentum enter into immediate
communications with the cells and tubes of the dentine (zahnknochen), so
that this part can obtain from without the requisite humours after the
central pulp has almost ceased to exist.” In the Megatherium, however,
those anastomoses have not to perform a vicarious office, since the pulp
maintains its full size and functional activity during the whole period
of the animal’s existence. It relates to the higher organized condition,
and greater degree of vitality of the entire grinder in that extinct
species.
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