Elementary physiology for students / by Alfred T. Schofield.

  • Alfred Taylor Schofield
Date:
1892
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Elementary physiology for students / by Alfred T. Schofield. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    lO Now, before looking at the legs, turn to the back, and observe the spring given to the figure by the beautiful double curve of the backbone, so admirably adapted, as we shall see, to break shocks going to the brain. In the infant the spine is quite straight, and no animals possess the spinal curves we do, which are only required in the erect position. As the child breathes, this yielding spine is forced out between the shoulders and forms the first curve. When it learns to walk, the forward cur\-e in tlie loins is needed, and the compensating forward curve of the neck, to bal- ance the body (Fig. 4). And now look at the The Legs. l^gS (Fig- S)- the first place, in proportion to the body or trunk, they are longer than any other mammal’s, not even excepting the kan- garoo. As Holden has remarked, their great length prevents their being a- Back view. . Left side view. Wanted for loCOlllOtion ill Fig. 4.—The Spine. , any but the erect attitude. Contrast them with tlie short and broad legs of the three highest apes, the gorilla, chimpanzee, and ourang-outang. Watch one of tliese apes walking, and you will find he sup- ports himself alternately on the right and left knuckles, as well as on his feet.
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