FIBROUS SYSTEM. 205 



Development of the Fibrous System. 



Q. What consequence results from the softness and 

 want of resistance in the fibrous systems of early years? 



^. That luxations are more rare; that sprains are less 

 violent; that the articulations are more extensible than in 

 after life, when the ligaments are stiff and strong. The 

 weakness of the vital forces in this tissue in infantile life, 

 renders it less liable to rheumatism. 



Of the Fibrous Membranes in General. 



Q. How are these distinguishable from serous and. mu- 

 cous membranes? 



#. The fibrous are, with one exception, exactly adapt- 

 ed to the form of the organs they cover; the exception is 

 the dura mater. The two surfaces of these membranes are 

 adherent, and they are perforated for the passage of ves- 

 sels. Now, in all these respects, they differ from the serous 

 and mucous membranes. 



Q. Is it certain that the membrane of the corpus caver- 

 nosum penis is fibrous ? 



Jl. Various 1 experiments prove the difference between 

 the membrane of the corpus cavernosum penis and the 

 spongy textures, and substantiate its resemblance to the 

 fibrous tissues. 



Of the Periosteum. 



Q. For what is the periosteum remarkable in infancy ? 



A. For its greater thickness, its feebler connexion with 

 the bones, and its softer, more spongy, and gelatinous as- 

 pect, than in after life. 



Q. Is the periosteum continued over the articulations? 



