Reproduction
Object numberRCSHC/P 440
Scientific nameHomo sapiens
CollectionHunterian
CategoryDry preparations
Object nameSpine (vertebral column), Tuberculosis, Morbid Anatomy of Bones - Malformations and Deformations, Mounted dry bone
DescriptionA seventh cervical vertebra with eleven thoracic vertebra showing severe kyphoscoliosis from an individual who had chronic tuberculosis.
The primary curvature concerns the lower six thoracic vertebra in which the spine curves significantly anteroposteriorly and to the right. The left sides of the vertebral bodies in this area have atrophied to produce a curve so extreme that in its concavity the distance between the sixth and eleventh vertebra is only one inch. The vertebrae are united at the articular processes, arches and left sides of the bodies by osteophytes. A portion of the seventh rib on the right side is still attached to the articular processes and bodies of the two adjacent vertebra. The articular surfaces for the other ribs on the left side are enlarged by osteophytes on their margins, especially those in the concavity of the interior curvature.
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 descriptionDry preparation of bone mounted in a cuboid perspex container.
Materialperspex
Dimensions
Whole height: 233 mm
Whole width: 171 mm
Whole depth: 99 mm
Whole weight: 510 g
Whole width: 171 mm
Whole depth: 99 mm
Whole weight: 510 g
Bibliography
SourceProger 1966-1972
Vol. 2, pages 3-4.
NotesText taken from Shattock (1909-19).
TranscriptThe last cervical and eleven of the dorsal vertebrae of a spine with extreme lateral curvature. The chief distortion is in the six lower dorsal vertebrae, which form a curve, the convexity of which is directed backwards and to the right side, and which are rotated markedly outwards to the right, their spinous processes being turned, but in a less degree, to the same side. The left half of the bodies of the vertebrae are diminished in depth so that in the concavity of the curve the distance between the lower borders of the sixth and eleventh dorsal vertebrae is hardly more than an inch. The articular processes, the arches and the left sides of the bodies of the lower dorsal vertebrae are united by bone. The five upper dorsal and the seventh cervical vertebrae are less diseased: they present a curvature, of which the concavity is turned towards the right, but their bodies are scarcely at all rotated. The spinous and articular processes and the left side of the bodies of the fourth and fifth dorsal vertebrae are united by bone. A part of the seventh rib on the right side is preserved; its head and neck are united by bone to the articular processes and bodies of the two adjacent vertebrae; and its shaft, as far as the angle, lies parallel with the side of the spine. The articular surfaces for the ribs of the left side are enlarged by peripheral bony deposits, especially those in the concavity of the interior curvature.
SourceClift 1830 Part 2
NotesCatalogue number is 465.
TranscriptAn adult spine, in which the degree of distortion is very considerable, in consequence of counterbalancing curves to the right, to the left, and forwards.
