A Route by Which the Electric Impulse Is Facilitated in Its Passage through the Human Epidermis

Burnett, William Anderson (1930) A Route by Which the Electric Impulse Is Facilitated in Its Passage through the Human Epidermis. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

This thesis seeks to present evidence for the presence of special conducting paths for the electrical stimulus through the skin when the stimulus is applied by a pointed dry electrode; in order to avoid polarisation of the system application being made momentarily. Normally these points - called "electric points" - are scattered over the body surface unsymmetrically and irregularly. They facilitate the passage of the electric current by presenting a path of exceptionally low resistance. They are circumscribed in a small area having no relation to sweat ducts, hair follicles or to points of tactile or thermal sensation or to "motor points". They permit the passage of a uniform current intensity suddenly with no lag and at peak value, the passage being associated with sharp stinging pains. They are unaffected by capillary dilation (heat, massage, sinapism and rubefacients) but are generated by vesication and desquamation following ultra violet radiation. They endure on an average for 17 days. They are akin to wounds as regards electrical resistance and offer an easy path through the resistant epidermis. Section shows them to have a tubular structure lined with endothelium passing from the apex of a dermal papilla in a tortuous manner to end under the stratum corneum as a patent tube unrelated to sweat glands, hair follicles or nerves. In conclusion, in considering these conducting paths to the subdermal tissues, it is interesting to speculate if they have any relation to diseases of the skin and subjacent tissues, e.g. "ideopathic" pustules and abscesses. Do they afford in addition to channels for electric currents potential and patent routes of entry for pathogenic organisms?

• Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Keywords: Medicine, Physiology
• Date of Award: 1930
• Depositing User: Enlighten Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:1930-79885
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 03 Mar 2020 10:26
• Last Modified: 03 Mar 2020 10:26
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/79885