On the restoration of co-ordinated movements after nerve-crossing, with interchange of function of the cerebral cortical centres / by Robert Kennedy.

  • Kennedy, Robert, -1924.
Date:
1901
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Licence: In copyright

Credit: On the restoration of co-ordinated movements after nerve-crossing, with interchange of function of the cerebral cortical centres / by Robert Kennedy. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The University of Glasgow Library. The original may be consulted at The University of Glasgow Library.

    37/46 (page 159)
    IX. General Conclusions. 1. In the fore-limb of the clog the nerve supply of the flexor muscles may be crossed with that of the extensor muscles, with the result that, despite the altered innerva- tion, the animal regains, as before, the power of performing voluntary co-ordinated movements of the limb. 2. The fact of crossing the nerves does not add materially to the time which would be required for recovery of function of the limb, if the same nerves were simply divided and reunited by suture as accurately as possible. 3. Tlie result of crossing the nerve supply of antagonistic groujis of muscles is that the nerve centres which formerly innervated the one group now serve for the other group, and this alteration extends to the cerebral cortical centres, which become intei'changed in position and retain their irritability. 4. The cerebral cortical centres, which have been made to interchange their positions by the crossing, are able in response to the will to emit impulses which can call forth in the new peripheral terminations movements in ])erfect co-ordination. 5. In man the facial nerve may be detached from the facial centre, attached to the spinal accessory nerve, and the facial muscles thus innervated by the spinal accessory centre, with the result that co-ordinated movements of the face, both voluntary and reflex, are at least in part restored. 6. In the case of reunion of a divided nerve, it is not necessary to suppose that regeneration restores the old paths for the nervous impulses, since, if new paths are formed by the imperfect co-aptation of the divided nerve ends, witli the result of altering the connections between central nerve cells and peripheral endings, the organism has the power of compensating this alteration. 7. In the case of paralysis of a muscle or groujj of muscles, if the nerve supplying the aflected nuiscle or grouj) of muscles is grafted on to a neighbouring eflerent nerve supplying muscles whicli are iiealthy, it is probable that the aflected muscle or group of muscles, if not already destroyed Ijy degenerative j^i'ocess, will regain its normal function. In conclusion, I have to thank Drs. Brodie and Teacher, of the Glasgow University Physiological Department, Dr. S. Oapie, and Dr. J. H. Fullarton, for their kind assistance in the experimental work, more especially in the observations of the results of cerebral stimulation.