THE SUPERIOR CERVICAL GANGLION.
With what it has Communication--Its Position--One of its
Functions--Stimulation or Inhibition--Results Produced.
WITH WHAT IT HAS COMMUNICATION.
Every ganglion on the great chain of the sympathetic nerve has special
and important functions, but upon the superior cervical falls the
greatest burden of responsibility. This ganglion has communication with
a greater number of nerves and organs than any other; is in direct
communication with three cranial and four cervical nerves, indirectly
with four more cranial nerves, and enters, by its branches into the
formation of a large number of plexuses. Through this ganglion it is
that much Osteopathic work is done, and the purpose of this brief paper
is to point out some of the many effects which may be produced by its
stimulation or inhibition.
ITS POSITION.
Anatomically we know that the superior cervical ganglion is situated in
relation to the transverse processes of the upper three cervical
vertebrae. It gives off branches which communicate directly with the
vagus, glosso-pharyngeal and hypoglossal nerves; another branch, the
ascending, passes into the carotid canal and enters into the formation
of the carotid and cavernous plexuses; other branches pass to the
pharynx, and a branch enters the formation of the cardiac plexuses. From
the carotid and cavernous plexuses pass many nerves, only a few of which
need special mention; one unites with the great superficial petrosal to
form the Vidian nerve which goes to _Meckel's_ ganglion, branches pass
to the Gasserian ganglion, while we have others passing to the third,
fourth, the ophthalmic division of the fifth and the sixth nerve, also
we have derived from the nerve the sympathetic root of the lenticular
ganglion.
ONE OF ITS FUNCTIONS.
Physiologically we know that one of the special functions of the
sympathetic nervous system is to control the tone of non-striate
muscular tissue, and that we have filaments distributed from the
sympathetic system in the muscular wall of every blood vessel, duct and
organ throughout the body. We also know that the sympathetic is the
accelerator nerve of the heart, being opposed in its action by the vagus
which, is inhibitory; further, that the vagus is constant in its
brake-like action, while the sympathetic only acts when stimulated
either directly or reflexly. While the vagus is inhibitory to the heart
it is motor to the lungs. Nerve force is not generated in the
sympathetic system; the cerebro-spinal nerve force is conveyed to the
ganglia by the rami communicantes and in the ganglia is transformed into
sympathetic nerve force. We might compare the ganglia to electrical
transformers. Such being the case it is not difficult to see that if the
superior cervical ganglion receives the nerve-force for transformation
from the upper four cervical nerves and we can prevent, or lessen, the
passage of nerve-force from the spinal cord through those nerves to the
ganglion, that we will, to a corresponding degree, lessen the amount of
sympathetic nerve-force transformed in the ganglion and transmitted from
it by its branches.
STIMULATION OR INHIBITION.
We can produce stimulation or inhibition of a nerve at will; press
suddenly and with a little violence upon the ulnar nerve where it lies
in relation with the internal condyle of the humerus and we will find a
manifestation of its physiological action, evidenced by a sense of pain
in the ulnar and radial sides of the fifth finger and the ulnar side of
the fourth, together with contraction of the muscles supplied by that
nerve. But if our pressure be less intense and more prolonged we will
inhibit the nerve and produce a sense of numbness in the same area
together with temporary loss of muscular control.
Osteopaths well understand how to produce either stimulation or
inhibition of the ganglia by way of the nerves passing to them from the
spinal cord, and the results of such inhibition or stimulation in any
sympathetic area can be prophesied readily by anyone who has read with
attention what I have written; for instance, in the case of inhibition
in the region of the nerves supplying the superior cervical ganglion
with nerve force, we will find, first, throughout the area of
distribution of the branches of this ganglion a relaxation of the
vascular walls. This will be marked by two indications, first, the skin
will become flushed and moist; second salivary secretion and lachrymal
secretion will be increased. Second, the vagus is now allowed full sway,
and we will find slowing of the heartbeat. It is well known that
pressure over the seat of the first spinal nerve for a very brief period
of time will control a congestive headache; the pressure in such case is
made only for so long time as to produce stimulation of the sympathetic
to greater activity, when we will attain a vaso-constrictor action,
lessen the volume of blood in the cranial cavity and so abolish the
headache. The arteries of the body may be divided into three groups, the
large, the medium-sized and the small; in the first of these we find
little muscular tissue and much elastic; in the second they exist in
about equal proportions, while in the small arteries we find much
muscular tissue and little elastic. As a consequence it is upon the
smaller arteries that the sympathetic system has its greatest effect. As
we dilate the smaller arteries and slow the heart action, it follows
that we reduce the blood pressure, as we reduce blood pressure we reduce
temperature, and within a very few minutes after the commencement of
this inhibitory pressure on the upper four cervical nerves we will find
in the large majority of cases, the capillaries over the entire surface
of the body flushed, this being accompanied by a fall in the pulse rate
and a marked diminution of the temperature. Indirectly at the same time
we produce an effect upon the lungs; as we lessen blood pressure and the
frequency of the heart action we find in accordance with the
physiological rule an alteration in the respiration, it becomes slower
and deeper. Arguing along these lines, and applying similar reasoning to
each of the branches of this ganglion, anyone can trace out the many
subsidiary results which may be expected from either stimulation of the
rami communicantes nerves distributed to it, or their inhibition.
Exactly similar rulings will find their prompt proof with regard to any
other of the ganglia of the sympathetic system. We will find
corresponding results in the cases of the thoracic ganglia which form by
their branches the pulmonic plexuses; we get the same results from the
splanchnic ganglia; while in the lumbar region we find that we have a
ready means of control of the vascular system in the lower abdomen and
pelvis. Much, very much, is still to be learned concerning the
sympathetic nervous system, and all such increase in knowledge can come
in one way only, clinical observation of Osteopathic treatment.
WILLIAM SMITH,
L. R. C. P. and S., (EDIN.), D. O.
THE END.
* * * * *
A. T. Still's Table or Device,
That He Has Constructed For
THE USE OF THE OPERATOR, THE EASE AND COMFORT OF THE PATIENT.
It is a welcome success and does away with the lubberly old tables. It
gives ease and support to all classes of patients. By its use the
patient can sit in a chair or on a stool and feel at perfect ease during
all treatments, then the operator gets results and is not tired to death
when he has treated a patient; knows and feels that there has been some
good done.
The asthmatic knows he has gotten help because pain has left his chest
and he breathes as with new lungs; he knows he is helped more by one
treatment while sitting on a chair with his body easy and at rest in the
cushioned swinging device than he would or has received by the best
skill on any table. Then the operator says, "Thank fortune, I am not
worn out, and know I have gotten every bone to the place it belongs, and
I know I have given satisfactory relief because my patients say so."
I think to an operator this device is his best friend. With it well
understood he can do as much work as three good operators can do on the
old tables. Remember this device does no part of the treatment but
places the patient to your convenience while you do the work.
I feel as I am the discoverer of the device, that I know its needs and
feel free to advise pupils.
The device will cost you $25 only.
A. T. STILL,
Founder.
The American School of Osteopathy,
KIRKSVILLE, MO.
The course of study in The American School of Osteopathy is a carefully
graded one, and is divided into four terms, of five months each. The
terms beginning September and February of each year. The course thus
requires two years for completion.
COURSE OF STUDY.
The course of study extends over two years, and is divided into four
terms of five months each.
FIRST TERM.
The first term is devoted to Descriptive Anatomy including Osteology,
Syndesmology and Myology; lectures on Histology illustrated by
micro-stereopticon; the principles of General Chemistry and Physics.
SECOND TERM.
The second term includes Descriptive and Regional Anatomy; didactic and
laboratory work in Histology; Physiology; Physiological Chemistry and
Urinalysis; Principles of Osteopathy; Clinical Demonstrations in
Osteopathy.
THIRD TERM.
The third term includes Demonstrations in Regional Anatomy; Physiology;
lectures in Pathology illustrated by micro-stereopticon; Symptomatology;
Physiological Psychology; Clinical Demonstrations in Osteopathy.
FOURTH TERM.
The fourth term includes Symptomatology; Minor Surgery; didactic and
laboratory work in Pathology; Psycho-Pathology; Gynæocology; Obstetrics;
Sanitation and Public Health; Venereal Diseases; Medical Jurisprudence;
Clinical Demonstrations; Clinical Practice.
* * * * *
The school is open to students of both sexes without distinction, and
all have equal opportunities and privileges, and are held to the same
requirements.
The methods of instruction are such as obtain in the best academic and
collegiate institutions, and include recitations from standard
text-books, lectures, quizzes, practical laboratory work, and practical
clinical work.
The equipment of the school is complete in every respect. The recitation
and lecture rooms are amply provided with all necessary means of
illustration, such as specimens fresh and preserved, skeletons, models,
charts, manikins and diagrams.
The respective laboratories are fitted up with all the necessary
apparatus for practical work in the Anatomical, Histological,
Microscopical, Chemical and Physiological departments.
The clinical facilities and opportunities enjoyed by students in this
school are exceptional. An abundance of material is always available for
clinic demonstrations, which are continued daily through two terms, with
practical work in the clinic operating rooms by each student, under the
direction of the regular operators, daily during the whole of the last
term.
In addition to the regular clinical department, the A. T. Still
Infirmary has constantly under treatment from three hundred to five
hundred patients, and although the students do not see these patients,
the many cases of diseases of all kinds under the care of the regular
operators in the Infirmary give them constantly fresh and varied
illustrations for use in their lectures. Sometimes, too, patients whose
cases may be of special interest offer the use of their cases for the
purpose of demonstration before the students.
Opportunities are thus furnished to students for such practice and drill
in the actual work of treating diseases as we believe is not equaled by
any similar institution anywhere. The course of study is progressively
graded with a view to giving students a thorough and comprehensive
knowledge of the facts and principles upon which their future work is to
be based. These clinic exercises in connection and immediately following
give them facility and readiness in the art of applying the facts and
principles which they have acquired in recognizing and treating diseased
conditions.
Catalogue mailed upon application. For information as to terms, etc.,
apply to
A. T. STILL, AMERICAN SCHOOL OF OSTEOPATHY.
PRESIDENT. KIRKSVILLE, MO.
The A. T. Still Infirmary
Cures by the Science of Osteopathy all Diseases Which are Known as
Curable.
Dr. A. T. STILL, founder of the Science of Osteopathy, has associated
with him, in his infirmary organization, the oldest and most successful
practitioners and exponents of the science, selected with special
reference to their fitness for the work of practically demonstrating the
principles of Osteopathy and occupying positions as teachers and
lecturers in the American School of Osteopathy. All are regular
graduates of this school.
The students in the school are not permitted to even assist in treating
the Infirmary patients. All the work is done by regular operators.
The examination previous to treatment is conducted by Dr. Still's three
sons assisted by the operators. After examination the patient is
assigned to the room in which he or she will receive treatment, and
placed under the care of an Osteopath best suited to the case.
The fees for treatment at the Infirmary are $25 per month. Where
patients are unable to come to the Infirmary for treatment, an extra
charge of $1 to $2 per visit is added.
The Infirmary maintains a complete bathing department in charge of
competent attendants. As good baths are therefore obtainable in
Kirksville as in any city. The charges are very moderate--twenty-five
cents for a single bath, or $2.00 for a commutation ticket for ten
baths. When bath tickets are procured no other fees to attendants are
necessary.
A representative of the Infirmary meets all trains, day and night, to
help all patients who may need assistance and see that they are properly
cared for.
OPERATIVE SURGERY.
To correct a misapprehension on the part of many, it should be
understood that the A. T. STILL INFIRMARY is fully prepared to receive
and handle the most difficult cases requiring the highest order of
skilled surgery, and it is not necessary to send such cases to the great
city hospitals in the east for even the most difficult and delicate
operations.
Dr. J. B. Littlejohn, of the faculty, is a graduate in surgery from the
University of Glasgow, Scotland, and held for three years the position
of Surgeon under the Government Board of England, besides other
important and responsible positions in Europe and America.
Dr. Wm. Smith holds evidences of qualifications as follows: Licentiate
of the Royal College of Surgery, Edinburg; Licentiate of the Royal
College of Physicians and Surgeons, Glasgow; Licentiate in Midwifery,
Edinburg and Glasgow; etc.
Cases requiring careful and delicate Surgery, the removal of fibroid
tumors, and in fact any operation of whatever nature will receive the
best and most scientific treatment and care in this institution.
The management has now secured a powerful and perfect Roentgen or X-Ray
apparatus which will be used in connection with this department, in the
examination of difficult cases.
Patients coming to the A. T. Still Infirmary may rely upon the fact that
they will in no case be subjected to unnecessary surgical operations, as
the knife is never used unless absolutely necessary.
Address all letters of inquiry to
A. T. STILL INFIRMARY,
KIRKSVILLE, MO
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|Transcriber's note: |
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|Corrections have been made to everyday words printed incorrectly, but|
|all technical terms are as in the original. |
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End of Project Gutenberg's Philosophy of Osteopathy, by Andrew T. Still