Morphologic evolution of the musculi extensores digitorum and abductor pollicis longus in man. Part I: Introduction, methodology, M. extensor digitorum

The author discusses first of all the theoretical principles of the evolutionary myology and gives a detailed explanation on the 3 types of studies included in this complex method. The investigated material is distributed into 3 groups, which correspond to the above mentioned 3 types of studies: 1. The variations of the muscles, object of research, are studied on 200 upper limbs of adults and cn 100 limbs of human fetuses. The crown to heel length of the latter and the number of the studied limbs could be seen on the Table on page 823. 2. The comparative-anatomic research is performed on 122 limbs of animals. The different species of animals as well as the number of the examined limbs are given on the table on page 824. 3. The organogenetic material includes 18 upper limbs of human embryos and fetuses, the age of which could be seen on the table on page 825. After expressing his gratitute to all, who have assisted him in his work the author gives the already known literature data related to the phylogenesis and ontogenesis of the muscles studied by him. His own investigations start with searching of m. extensor digitorum in man, as special attention is paid both to the muscles' bellies and their tendons and the connexus intertendinei.