1 6 ELEMENTS OF MAMMALIAN ANATOMY. 



material known as feces passed out of the alimentary canal 

 through the anus is not an excretion of the cells of the body, 

 but largely that portion of the food not transformed into a 

 condition permitting it to be absorbed by the villi. 



FIG. ii. FIBERS OF CONNECTIVE TISSUE. X 300. 



In addition to these systems necessary for the mainten- 

 ance of life, the cat requires a means for supporting the 

 body and moving about, furnished by the osseous and 

 muscular systems. The osseous system serves not only for 

 support and locomotion, but also for the protection of the 

 delicate vital organs. The skull and spinal column contain 

 the brain and spinal cord, while the heart and lungs are 

 well shielded by the dorsal vertebrae, the ribs, and sternum. 

 Likewise the muscles ward off serious injuries from the 

 blood-vessels, as they cover to a considerable depth nearly 



