Reproduction
Object numberRCSHC/P 160
Scientific nameHomo sapiens
CollectionHunterian
CategoryWet preparations
Object nameSpinal cord, Fractures, Extravasation, Mounted wet tissue
DescriptionCervical portion of spinal cord with fracture of the 3rd cervical vertebra.
The partial dislocation of the 3rd cervical vertebra resulted in heavy effusion of blood from the dura mater at the site, which would have resulted in complete paraplegia for the individual concerned.
Production date Estimated 1760 - Estimated 1793
Preparator
Owner/user
presented
Physical Location
LocationOn display in the Hunterian Museum, Room 4: The Long Gallery
Physical Information
Physical descriptionWet preparation of tissue mounted in an oval glass jar with glass lid.
Materialglass (material)
Dimensions
whole height: 129 mm
whole width: 86 mm
whole depth: 61 mm
whole weight: 640 g
whole width: 86 mm
whole depth: 61 mm
whole weight: 640 g
Bibliography
SourceProger 1966-1972
Vol. 1, pages 94-5.
NotesText taken from Stanley & Paget (1846-9), and Paget (1882-5).
TranscriptPart of the cervical portion of a spinal cord. Blood was effused in large quantity in the tissue covering the posterior part of the dura mater in consequence of a sub-luxation of the third cervical vertebra.
SourceHunter Casebooks
Cases & Dissections No. 33, Pages 556-7.
NotesBruised Medulla Spinalis. (Also in Proger 1966-72).
TranscriptA Case shewing that what ever Influence the Nerves of the Spine may derive from their Connection with the Intercostals, and visa-versa, it is not ascertainable.
J.H________. A stout Man, about Forty years of Age, fell with a load on his Shoulders. The load pitched upon his neck and from thence was Paralytic in his arms, body, and limbs [legs]: he could move no part excepting his head. His breathing was very oppressed.
I attended to the case very attentively. I first felt the ribs, and found that he had no motion in them, even when I desired him to make a full inspiration and expiration. I found that the abdominal muscles were likewise paralytic for he could not draw in his belly; nor could he cough. He would inspire with more force when desired, but could not expire voluntarily, so that all his expirations were equal. Could not expire when erect. The belly heaved up and down. From all these Symptoms I conjectured that the Inspiration was carried on intirely [sic.] by the Diaphragm, and that the heaving of the belly was owing to the diaphragm being now obliged to act with more force than when assisted by the ribs; so that the viscera were pushed more down; and that expiration was produced from these viscera falling back again by gravity and their natural elasticity especially as he had no voluntary power of expiration; and when erect, had none at all; as the parts could not rise contrary to their own gravity, when pushed down by the action of the Diaphragm.
I then began to think that the medulla was injured above all the nerves going to the lower parts, except the phrenic. His Stools were involuntary. He lived for some days; and [after death] was opened.
On opening the Body, I found no hurt done to the spine or dura mater; nor pia mater: but when I cut into the medulla itself (counting the ten pair of nerves of the head, of the neck the first,) I found it, where the fifth arises from the medulla, mixed with extravasated blood. All the other parts of the body as usual.
The ribs having no motion at all, would shew that the intercostal nerves receive no nerves or influence from the great intercostals nerves; nor was the great intercostals nerves visibly diminished in its powers, by having now no connection with the medulla spinalis.
That it was by the Diaphragm only that the Inspiration was carried on, and that by means of the Phrenic nerve, for that nerve arises principally from the fourth, and that if the injury had been done a little higher, that the Man would had died immediately.
But the Question is, why did he die at all?
This shews that something more than mere ab…[?] of the parts is requisite for expiration, for we can regulate that action without the abdominal muscles interfering.
This Case shews that the Stomach and intestines in a great measure are supplied from the Brain with nerves, and the Sphincter Ani from the Medulla.
This shews the great use [advantage] of Vital parts [organs] having nerves from so many parts.
It would shew that nerves do not sympathize by being connected with nerves; but that this power must go to the brain, and then come back by the sympathizing Nerves.
This shews that when an Animal dies by an Injury done to the medulla near the Brain, that it is not done by taking away Life, but preventing life from having support from other parts: such as the motion of the Heart and Lungs.
SourceClift 1830 Part 1
NotesCatalogue number 1032
TranscriptA portion of the medulla spinalis of the neck; with a coagulum of blood pressing on it, which had been extravasated in consequence of a subluxation of the third cervical vertebra. The man had almost complete paralysis of all the [voluntary] parts below the neck; having only a small degree of tremulous motion in one arm; and the fæces and urine passed involuntarily. The actions of the vital organs were perfect. In this state the patient lived six weeks.
