FLEXIBLE BONOS OF UNION AND SUPPORT. 47 



support to the parts in their horizontal position ; and even the 

 cellular memhrane of the elephant has a degree of elasticity much 

 ahove what is generally met with in cellular membranes. Hence 

 there is less expense of muscular contraction in such parts." 

 Hunter, On the Blood, 4to, p. 111. 



Ifunterian. 



B. 4. Posterior portion of the ventral walls of the abdomen of a 

 Horse (Eguus cdballus] . The skin has been in part removed 

 to show the " tunica abdominalis." This consists of two 

 layers: the superficial is composed of bundles of yellow elastic 

 fibres that extend from the posterior ribs and cartilages to 

 the pelvic brim. The deep layer consists of white fibrous 

 tissue, the fibres being directed outwards and forwards. 

 The tunica abdominalis gives firm support to the heavy 

 abdominal viscera ; it is defective in the mid line, which 

 probably favours the changes in bulk of the viscera. 



Presented by Prof. McFadyean. 



B. 5. Two sections of abdominal wall of a Horse (E. cdballus) 

 showing the position of its layers, viz., skin, subcutaneous 

 tissue, tunica abdominalis, muscle, fat, peritoneum. 



Presented by Prof. McFadyean. 



Connected with. Vertebral Column. 



SUPKASPINOUS. 



B. 6. Two portions of the vertebral column of a Fox-Shark 

 (Alopecias vulpes) showing, from the side and in transverse 

 section, a continuous band of yellow elastic tissue (the 

 supraspinous elastic ligament) surmounting the dorsal 

 arches. 



B. 7. Anterior portion of the vertebral column of a Shark 

 (Notidanus griseus). A round continuous cord of yellow 

 elastic tissue commences in a point immediately behind the 

 head and extends the whole length of the column, closely 

 adherent to the cartilaginous spinous processes. 



B. 8. A supraspinous elastic ligament is said to be present in a 

 Brazilian bird {Lamprotes lorlccttns). A specimen is much 

 wanted, 



