THE HEAD 5 



head, and serves to protect the eyes from the sun's rays, as well as from 

 insects and other foreign matter. 



The Throat. — The throat is that part occupying the angle between 

 the lower jaw and the neck. It extends upwards towards the ear, and 

 comprises the larynx or upper part of the windpipe, and the 'pharynx 

 or receptacle into which the food passes before being swallowed. Out- 

 wardly to these, and beneath the skin on either side, is the parotid gland, 

 an organ whose function it is to secrete saliva. Many important nerves 

 and vessels are also situated about the throat. 



INFERIOR EXTREiAHTY OF THE HEAD 



This region comprises — 1, the lips; and 2, the mouth, with the organs 

 and parts contained in it. 



The Lips.^ — The lips are placed at the lowermost part of the head, 

 where they guard the entrance to the mouth. The upper lip unites with 

 the lower just abo\'e the chin, where together they form the angles or com- 

 missures of the mouth. They are loosely attached to the bones of the upper 

 and lower jaws respectively, and by the aid of a number of muscles 

 suitably disposed, are capable not only of opening and closing the entrance 

 to the mouth, but also of seizing the food in the act of feeding. They are 

 indeed organs of prehension, and may be regarded as hands to the mouth. 

 The upper one is the more voluminous, and has a greater range of action 

 than the lower one. 



A numl)er of long coarse hairs are scattered over the outer surface. 

 These are connected by their roots with nerves of sensation, hence they have 

 been termed "feelers". It is a common practice among grooms and dealers 

 to clip them off in order to give the head a clean and more refined appear- 

 ance. 



" The lip, like the nostril, the eye, and the ear, is a most remarkable 

 organ of expression. AVhen it is curled up, relaxed, lowered, elevated, or 

 reclined, we have so many variations which affect the whole physiognomy. 

 When we study the expression of the horse under the influence of pain, fear, 

 pleasure, or distress; wdien we observe his attitude as he attempts to snatch 

 or bite somebody, or one of his companions; when we observe the lips in 

 certain diseases; when we translate the lanouaee of the stallion as he scents 

 the mare, or the animal as he passes through the death agonies, then can we 

 see how perfect the expression is and how it varies in each circumstance." 

 ' — Gouhaux ayid Barrier. 



The lower extremity of the head, from a line drawn across the face above 

 the nostrils and angle of the mouth, is commonly spoken of as the muzzle. 



