684 RELATIONS OP THE MOUTH. 



SECTION VI. 



ANATOMICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL RELATIONS OF THE MOUTH WITH 

 THE DIFFERENT ORGANS OF THE TRUNK. 



The several organs of the trunk comprise the digestive, 

 pulmonary, urinary, and generative. 



The mouth has a relation more or less intimate, both by 

 structure and function, with all these various organs. 

 With the digestive and pulmonary the relation is direct 

 and inseparable. The same mucous membrane, for in- 

 stance, which lines the mouth, is traced down the oesopha- 

 gus into the stomach, and through the whole alimentary 

 canal. It is continued also into the various excretory 

 ducts of the salivary glands, liver, pancreas, and mucous 

 follicles, all of which organs pour their several fluids into 

 the mouth and digestive tube. This same mucous mem- 

 brane is traced from the mouth, in another direction, into 

 the larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs. The mucous 

 membrane is also found in the kidneys, ureters, and blad- 

 der, the genital organs of the male and female, receiving 

 here the name of the genito-urinary mucous membrane, 

 which, however, is not directly traceable to the mouth. 



The cellular tissue forms another element of anatomical 

 continuity between the mouth and the various organs. 



The par-vagum, one of the divisions of the eighth pair of 

 nerves, forms a great chain of nervous connection between 

 the posterior mouth, and the oesophagus, stomach, larynx, 

 lungs, and brain. The fifth pair of nerves, which are mostly 

 nerves of sensibility, bountifully supply all the organs of 

 the mouth, and connect directly with the brain, spinal 

 marrow, and the several organs of sense. The portio dura 

 of the seventh pair, also forms an element of nervous com- 

 munication between the mouth and other parts. The blood- 

 vessels, supplying the mouth, come from the same great 

 arterial tube which supplies all the organs of the body. 



The physiological relation of the mouth with the various 

 organs is as close as the anatomical. 



