A treatise on ligaments / By Bransby B. Cooper.

  • Bransby Blake Cooper
Date:
1825
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A treatise on ligaments / By Bransby B. Cooper. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    bodies of the vertebrae and to the intervertebral substance, and is very firmly connected with the latter. Its lateral edges are parallel to the sinus venosus. This ligament prevents the spine from being bent too much forward. The intervertebral substance,—The structure of which par- takes of the nature of ligament and cartilage ; it occupies the spaces between the bodies of the vertebrae, and corresponds in shape with the bodies of those which it connects, and like them differs in the different regions, gradually increasing in density, and separating the vertebrae more widely as it ap- proaches the sacrum. It is composed of oblique concentric lamellae, which are stronger in the external circumference than in the centre, where it is almost fluid; having, therefore, so little compressibility, as to allow the free motions of the ver- tebrae upon one another, as if they moved upon a pivot, and at the same time diminishing concussion under the violent motions of the spine ; it is closely attached at its edge to the bodies of the vertebrae, and is so elastic, that man loses some- what of his height towards evening, from the pressure to which this substance is subjected by an erect posture during the day. Its strength is such, and its attachment so perfect, that it will resist even to allow bone to give way, rather than yield itself. Its anterior surface is in contact with the common •r anterior vertebral ligament; laterally, with the interarticular