Object numberRCSHC/2082
Scientific nameElephas maximus
CollectionHunterian
CategoryWet preparations
Object nameProboscis, Peculiarities, Mounted wet tissue
DescriptionA transverse section through the trunk of an Asian elephant.
The trunk represents the upper lip and nose of the elephant.
Production date 1760 - 1793
Preparator
Owner/user
presented
Physical Location
Location
Not on public display: contact museum for access conditions
Physical Information
Physical descriptionWet preparation of tissue mounted in an oval glass jar with glass lid.
Materialglass (material)
Elephas indicus
Dimensions
whole height: 210 mm
whole width: 160 mm
whole depth: 90 mm
whole weight: 2834 g
whole width: 160 mm
whole depth: 90 mm
whole weight: 2834 g
Bibliography
SourceDobson 1970-71
Transcript2082: A transverse section through the trunk of an Elephant (Elephas indicus), showing its ligamentous and muscular structure, and the two nasal passages. A similar preparation. The nasal passages may be observed to be not in the centre of the trunk, but nearer the anterior surface: the muscles before them pass in a radiating direction to the circumference of the proboscis; those which are immediately behind the nasal passages are disposed in a straight line from side to side; external and posterior to these again the muscular fibres resume the radiated course. The second series of muscles tends to diminish, but cannot close, the area of the nasal passages; the first and third series contract the diameter of the trunk without affecting that of the canals. All the muscles are distinct, and terminate at both extremities in slender tendons; they are imbedded in a cellular texture uniformly occupied by a white homogeneous adipose substance.