78 THE STRUCTURE OF MAN 



centimetres above the internal condyle, a bony process (processus 

 supra-condyloideus) (pr., Fig. 55, D) sometimes projects in a hook- 

 like manner, a fibrous band passing from it to the ent-epicondylar 

 region. The Median Nerve runs through the foramen thus 

 enclosed. This foramen is very common among the lower animals, 



FIG. 55. DISTAL EXTREMITY OP THE HUMERUS TO SHOW EPICONDYLAR FORAMINA. 

 A, in Hatteria; B, in a Lizard (Lacerta ocellata) ; C, in the domestic Cat ; D, in Man ; 

 c.e., external condyle ; c.i., internal condyle. In A the two foramina are developed 

 (at i, the ent-epicondylar ; at ii, the ect-epicondylar). The only canal (t) present 

 in the Lizard (B) is on the external volar side, in the cartilaginous distal extremity. 

 In Man (D) an ent-epirondylar process (pr.) is developed and continued as a fibrous 

 band. 



and is of very great antiquity. It is found not only in very many 

 quadrupedal Mammals, but in Eeptiles (Fig. 55, A and B), in 

 fossil forms which skeletally combine Amphibian with Eeptilian 

 characters (Palceohatteria, Homwosaurus), and in fossil Amphibians 

 (Stegocephala) of the Permian period (Stereorhachis and Bofh- 



1 [Struthers has recorded an interesting case of hereditary development of this 

 supra-condyloid process (Lancet, 15th February 1873), and has specially advocated 

 the view that the completion of the process in Man has a reversionary significance, 

 and not that of mere overgrowth for protection, frequently occurrent in all parts 



