CHAP, i.] TISSUES AND MECHANISMS OF DIGESTION. 477 



Down to the margin of the anus the mucous membrane retains 

 the characters of the large intestine, glands being still present ; 

 it then abruptly puts on the epiblastic characters of the epi- 

 dermis. The rectum has a special nervous supply, but of this we 

 shall speak in connection with the movements of the alimentary 

 canal. 



