EXAMINATION OF THE HEAD 



371 



the membrane assumes a bluish, or dark slatey hue, and may present- 

 one or more red elevated pimples, or ulcers, or, where the latter have 

 healed, white irregular scars. Thickening of the membrane from other 

 causes, or polypi, may also exist here and interfere with the entrance 

 of air into the lungs. Disease of the nostril is usually associated with 

 more or less enlargement of the lymphatic gland (submaxillary), situated 

 on the inner side of the lower jaw (fig. 77, Vol. I), which is readily 

 accessible to the fingers, and should always be examined. Any discharge 



Fit,'. 599. — Examination of tlie Mouth 

 a, Tongue; /<, froenum ; cc, openings of the salivary ducts; d, teeth. 



from the nostril should be regarded with suspicion, and if resulting from 

 a cold, or some abiding cause, or if associated with tumefaction of the 

 gland referred to above, would constitute unsoundness. 



To avoid error it may be necessary to point out that on the floor of 

 the nostril, a little way within it, and at the line where the skin joins 

 the mucous membrane, a small round hole appears. This is a natural 

 formation — the outlet of a duct, by which any excess of tears is conveyed 

 from the eye (c, fig. 598). AVe call attention to it because it has some- 

 times been regarded as an ulcer. 



Before leaving the facial region, the examiner should open the mouth 



