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Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Preface
- Contents
- Divisions of Natural Science
- CHAP. I Division of Natural Objects into Organised and Inorganic. The Chain of Being
- CHAP. II Peculiar Characters of Organised Bodies
- CHAP. III Distinguishing Characters of Animals and Vegetables
- CHAP. IV On the Polity of Nature
- CHAP. V On the Substances which enter into the Composition of the Bodies of Animals
- CHAP. VI Cutaneous System
- CHAP. VII Osseous System
- CHAP. VIII Muscular System
- CHAP. IX Nervous System
- CHAP. X Organs of Perception
- CHAP. XI Faculties of the Mind
- CHAP. XII Digestive System
- CHAP. XIII Circulating System
- CHAP. XIV Peculiar Secretions
- CHAP. XV Reproductive System
CHAP. VII - Osseous System
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 29 August 2010
- Frontmatter
- Preface
- Contents
- Divisions of Natural Science
- CHAP. I Division of Natural Objects into Organised and Inorganic. The Chain of Being
- CHAP. II Peculiar Characters of Organised Bodies
- CHAP. III Distinguishing Characters of Animals and Vegetables
- CHAP. IV On the Polity of Nature
- CHAP. V On the Substances which enter into the Composition of the Bodies of Animals
- CHAP. VI Cutaneous System
- CHAP. VII Osseous System
- CHAP. VIII Muscular System
- CHAP. IX Nervous System
- CHAP. X Organs of Perception
- CHAP. XI Faculties of the Mind
- CHAP. XII Digestive System
- CHAP. XIII Circulating System
- CHAP. XIV Peculiar Secretions
- CHAP. XV Reproductive System
Summary
The organs which we examined in the preceding chapter, are generally considered as destined for protection, and are, therefore, placed on the exterior of the body. The bones occupy a different position. They are seated in the interior ; and while they likewise assist in protecting many important organs, they, at the same time, give stability to the frame, support to the muscles, and afford levers for the execution of locomotion.
COMPOSITION OF BONES
In considering the nature ofbone, it will be of advantage to the reader, to be made acquainted with its composition, in order to understand its mode of growth. The different parts of which bones consist, may be reduced to four; the periosteum, cartilaginous basis, earthy matter, and fat.
1. Periosteum.–This bears the same relation to the bone as the skin to the body, serving as a covering for its surface, and a sheath for the different cavities which enter it. It varies in thickness, according to the nature of the bone. Its texture is obviously fibrous ; and it possesses bloodvessels. Its sensibility indicates the existence of nerves. Where this organ covers cartilaginous processes, it is called Perichondrium.
2. Cartilaginous basis.–This part of bone apparently consists of gelatine and coagulated albumen. The gelatine may be obtained by boiling the bone, previously broken into small fragments, for a considerable time in water. If the liquor be sufficiently concentrated, it will gelatinize when cold.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- The Philosophy of ZoologyOr a General View of the Structure, Functions, and Classification of Animals, pp. 107 - 121Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2009First published in: 1822