OCR Text |
Show 810 MR. J. B. PERRIN ON BAL.ENOPTERA ROSTRATA. [Dec. 6, artery was given off, it underwent some increase in size, and became diminished again below the origin of the left subclavian. The diameter of the interior of the artery measured only an inch and a quarter, the remaining three quarters of an inch being occupied by the walls. The inferior wall of the aortic arch presented a remarkable increase in thickness from that of tbe rest of the tube, at the point opposite the orifice of the innominate artery, being fully half an inch in thickness. The thickness is obviously to prevent yielding at this part, which otherwise would be a weak point, and liable to aneurismal dilatation from tbe constant shocks which would be communicated to it by the pressure from the recoil of blood from the right aortic wall. The posterior wall of the arch of the aorta was traversed by numerous irregularly longitudinal striae, which extend as far as the origin of the left common carotid artery. From these striae it can be eas>ily inferred that the aorta is subjected to considerable dilatation at each ventricular systole. The Lungs.-The left lung measured, in its long axis, 23 inches, the right 21 inches. The left lung weighed 6| lbs, the right 5 lbs. Both lungs were very much congested, especially the left one. Neither presented any lobular divisions. The trachea was remarkably short, but very wide and flattened. It gave off a small additional bronchus on the right side, to the the upper part of the right lung. Alimentary Canal.-The stomach consisted of four irregular cavities. The outward configuration of each varied considerably, especially of the first and second. The former presented a fusiform shape, being much wider at the centre than at its apex and oesophageal extremities. It measured, when moderately distended with water, 22 inches in its long diameter, and 11 inches transversely at its widest part. The oesophagus entered the upper part of its dorsal aspect, the upper end projecting upwards beyond the point of junction of the gullet, and formed a continuous fence or band with the second stomach. Below it tapered to a blunted point. The second stomach was cylindrical in shape, being directly continuous at its anterior part with the first stomach, the two being united at an acute angle, and forming a V-shaped figure, the apex being directed upwards towards the diaphragm, and then the two diverging away from each other, the latter, or second stomach, projecting somewhat beyond the first, and presenting a more regular calibre throughout its entire length, terminating, however, below in a blunted and somewhat rounded point. It measured in its long diameter, from the angle of junction between it and the first stomach, 17 inches. The third stomach was smaller than either of the preceding, and directed more obliquely. It was attached to the middle of the right side of the second stomach, and presented an elliptical shape. It measured 13 inches in its long diameter. It was connected with the second stomach by a strong band of fascia, which passes between the adjacent sides of the second and third stomachs. The fourth stomach was directed more horizontally than the pre- |