382 



DIGESTIVE SYSTEM OF THE OX 



denuin. The line of origin of the cohc mesentery begins on the inner part of the 

 ventral surface of the left kidney, and extends to the sacral promontory, where 

 the mesorectum begins. At the termination of the latter the peritoneum is re- 

 flected from the rectum on the dorsal and lateral walls of the pelvic cavity. Below 

 the rectum it forms the urogenital fold, and passes on to the dorsal surface of the 

 bladder, covers its anterior part, and is reflected on to the body-wall laterally and 

 ventrally, forming the lateral and middle ligaments of the 1)ladder. In the female 

 the broad ligaments of the uterus replace the urogenital fold, with which they are 

 homologous. 



In the new-l)orn foal certain folds are specially large. The falciform ligament 

 of the liver extends to the umbilical opening, and contains in its free edge the large 

 umbilical vein. The l^ladder — at this time an abdominal organ — has a ventral 

 median fold, which connects it and the urachus with the abdominal floor. This is 

 flanked on either side by a fold which also extends to the umbilicus, and contains 

 the large umbilical artery. 



DIGESTIVE SYSTEM OF THE OX 

 THE MOUTH 

 The cavity of the mouth is shorter and wider than that of the horse, and the 

 vestibule is more capacious. 



The lips are thick, wide, and comparatively immobile. The middle part of 

 the upper lip and the surface between the nostrils is bare, and is termed the muzzle 

 (Planum nasolabiale). It is smooth, and (in health) is kept cool and moist by a 



Conical papiUoe 

 Floor of mouth f^ 



First incisor tooth 



Angle of mouth 

 papillce 



^ Lower lip 



Fig. 280. — Anterior Part of Lower Jaw of Ox. 

 60, Tip of tongue. (After EUeiiberger-Baum, Anat. fiir Kiinstler.) 



clear fluid secreted by a layer of subcutaneous glands (Glandulse nasolabiales) 

 about half an inch (ca. 1.5 cm.) thick. It shows irregular lines, mapping out small 

 polygonal areas on which the orifices of the gland ducts are visible. A narrow 

 bare strip also exists along the edge of the lower lip. The remainder of the integu- 

 ment is provided with ordinary and tactile hairs. The free edge and the lining 

 membrane present verrucose, horny papilhe. The labial glands form compact 

 masses near the angles of the mouth. 



The cheeks are more capacious than in the horse. The mucous membrane 

 presents large conical pointed papillae, which are directed toward the fauces and 

 are covered with a horny epithelium. The largest of these have a length of about 



