DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.6271#0031
( 5 )
If a process be large, and of a spherical shape, it is termed
sometimes the caput, or head ; if the head is flattened, it takes
the name of a condyle. Other processes are termed mastoid, or
mammillary, from their resemblance to a nipple; styloid and
coracoid, from their similitude to a stiletto, or the beak of a
crow; some spinous, which appear like thorns ; others derive
their names from their direction, as the longitudinal, perpen~
dicular, horizontal, oblique, transverse processes.
There is a kind of eminence peculiar to bones, called an
epiphysis, which should be distinguished from an apophysis.
The latter is nothing more than a process; but an epiphysis is
a part of a bone, connected to that bone by an intervening car-
tilage ; thus the condyles of the thigh-bone of a child are epi
physes, and are separable from the femur. Epiphyses at length
become apophyses in the adult.
Macerate the flesh from the femur of a child two years
old, and suspend it in spirits, to shew the epiphyses at
the superior and inferior extremity. Pigs' bones are
also well calculated to shew the epiphyses.
Use. Bones support and give stature to the body, defend
its viscera, and give adhesion to its muscles.
1. Besides giving support and stature, they at the same
time form levers, by which we are enabled to move the whole,
or parts of the body in obedience to our will, to resist certain
powers, and perform the various and multiplied operations of
the arts.
2. In regard of the defence which they afford to parts; we
observe the brain surrounded by a strong case of bone, and the
spinal marrow wonderfully guarded by vertebrae, which at the
same time allow of motion : in the chest, the heart and lungs
are secure from pressure and common accidents ; and the most
important parts of the organs of generation are defended by
strong bones,
b3
If a process be large, and of a spherical shape, it is termed
sometimes the caput, or head ; if the head is flattened, it takes
the name of a condyle. Other processes are termed mastoid, or
mammillary, from their resemblance to a nipple; styloid and
coracoid, from their similitude to a stiletto, or the beak of a
crow; some spinous, which appear like thorns ; others derive
their names from their direction, as the longitudinal, perpen~
dicular, horizontal, oblique, transverse processes.
There is a kind of eminence peculiar to bones, called an
epiphysis, which should be distinguished from an apophysis.
The latter is nothing more than a process; but an epiphysis is
a part of a bone, connected to that bone by an intervening car-
tilage ; thus the condyles of the thigh-bone of a child are epi
physes, and are separable from the femur. Epiphyses at length
become apophyses in the adult.
Macerate the flesh from the femur of a child two years
old, and suspend it in spirits, to shew the epiphyses at
the superior and inferior extremity. Pigs' bones are
also well calculated to shew the epiphyses.
Use. Bones support and give stature to the body, defend
its viscera, and give adhesion to its muscles.
1. Besides giving support and stature, they at the same
time form levers, by which we are enabled to move the whole,
or parts of the body in obedience to our will, to resist certain
powers, and perform the various and multiplied operations of
the arts.
2. In regard of the defence which they afford to parts; we
observe the brain surrounded by a strong case of bone, and the
spinal marrow wonderfully guarded by vertebrae, which at the
same time allow of motion : in the chest, the heart and lungs
are secure from pressure and common accidents ; and the most
important parts of the organs of generation are defended by
strong bones,
b3