VI. On the distribution of nerves to the elementary fibres of striped muscle

After alluding to the general opinions entertained with respect to the termination of nerve-fibres in voluntary muscle, and to Kühne’s recent observations, the author proceeds to state that his researches have led him to the conclusion that every elementary fibre is abundantly supplied with nerves, which form a network and lie upon the surface of the sarcolemma. They do not penetrate through this membrane. The nerves never terminate in points, neither can any elementary fibres, or any part of a muscle, be found to which nerves are not freely distributed. The nerves run for the most part with the smaller arteries, and come into very close relation with the capillary vessels. The elementary fibres of the tongue and diaphragm of the white mouse are nearly covered with nerve-fibres and capillaries. Generally, the muscular fibres of mammalia and birds receive a much larger supply than those of reptiles and fishes. The muscular fibres of some insects appear to receive a most abundant supply.