Elements of general anatomy, containing an outline of the organization of the human body / [R.D. Grainger].

  • Grainger, R. D. (Richard Dugard), 1801-1865.
Date:
1829
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Elements of general anatomy, containing an outline of the organization of the human body / [R.D. Grainger]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    566/568 (page 526)
    * 526 FUNCTIONS OF GANGLIONS. Many physiologists, as Meckel, Scarpa, and Le Gal- lois, suppose that the use of the ganglia is to divide, to mix together, and to re-unite the nervous filaments that they receive. Dr. Philip concludes that they con- stitute a secondary centre of nervous power; and as they receive the influence of every part of the brain and spinal marrow, they bestow on the thoracic and ab- dominal viscera, on the vessels and all secreting sur- faces, the combined influence of those organs. Notwithstanding the unwearied patience with which these inquiries have been pursued by so many eminent men, the functions of the sympathetic remain still un- determined. The experiments of Dr. Philip seem to establish the conclusion mentioned above; but there -are doubtless other operations effected by means of the ganglions, which have in all probability, an important influence on the vital processes of digestion, respiration, circulation, secretion, and generation. ’ In concluding these observations, I shall allude to an error which having received support from very high authorities, has had an injurious effect upon this and other inquiries concerning the functions of the nervous system. I allude to the doctrine according to which the ganglia are provided to cut off the parts they supply with nerves from all connexion with the brain. The fallacy of this opiion has been demonstrated by Dr. Philip, as far as the ganglions of the great sympathetic are concerned ; and in an equally satisfactory manner by Mr. Bell, with respect to the ganglions of spinal nerves. THE END. GUNNELL AND SHEARMAN, SALISBURY SQUARE.