XXIII. Of the nerves which associate the muscles of the chest, in the actions of breathing, speaking, and expression. Being a continuation of the paper on the structure and functions of the nerves

Abstract

In a former paper an examination was made of the nerves of the face; that part of the system was taken, as proving in a manner the least liable to exception, that two sets of nerves, hitherto undistinguished, possessed distinct powers; and that very different effects were produced when the muscles and integuments were deprived of the controuling influence of the one or of the other of these nerves. In that paper it was shown, that parts remote in situation, were yet united by the closest sympathy with the lungs. That by a division of one nerve, these organs could be severed from the other parts of the apparatus of respiration; and though rendered dead to the influence of the heart and lungs, were yet possessed of their other properties, such as sensibility and voluntary motion. In the present paper it is proposed to prosecute this sub­ject, by tracing the nerves which influence the motions of the trunk of the body in respiration, and to subject them to a similar enquiry.