IN HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY. IQI 



6. Why does a cold in the head injure the flavor of our 

 coffee? 



Because the sense of taste is so dependent on that of 

 smell. 



7. Name some so-called flavors which are really sensations 

 of touch. 



Taste is not a simple sense. Certain other sensations, 

 as those of touch, temperature, smell, and pain, are 

 blended and confused with it ; and certain so-called tastes 

 are really sensations of another kind. Thus an astrin- 

 gent taste, like that of alum, is more properly an astrin- 

 gent feeling, and results from an impression made upon 

 the nerves of touch, that ramify in the tongue. In like 

 manner, the qualities known as smooth, oily, watery, and 

 mealy tastes, are dependent upon these same nerves of 

 touch. A burning or pungent taste is a sensation of pain, 

 having its seat in the tongue and throat. A cooling taste, 

 like that of mint, pertains to that modification of touch 

 called the sense of temperature. HUTCHISON'S Phy- 

 siology, p. 190-1. 



8. What is the object of the hairs in the nostrils ? 



They prevent the entrance of dust and other impurities. 

 They are also exceedingly delicate in all sensations of 

 touch. 



9. What use does the nose subserve in the process of respi- 

 ration ? 



It warns us of noxious gases, sifts out impurities, and 

 tempers the air before it enters the delicate respiratory 

 organs. 



