210 



PROCESS OF SWALLOWING. 



easy-chair, closing the eyes, and, as nearly as possible, closing 

 the mind ; for some, even a short nap is very helpful. 



During a meal there should be conversation on topics of 

 general interest. " Chatted food is half digested." 



It is said that the people of the United States are nervous, 

 and eat, as they do nearly everything, hastily. Deliberation 

 in eating adds to dignity as well as health, and properly may 

 be considered an evidence of culture. 



Hard Palate 



Epiglottis, Raised 



Gullet, Closed 

 Glottis, Open 



Fig. 500. Diagram, Showing the Positions of the Organs of the Mouth and 

 Throat During Breathing. 



The Process of Swallowing. The cavity back of the 

 mouth, beyond the soft palate, is the Pharynx. The pharynx 

 is a funnel-shaped cavity, communicating above with the pas- 

 sages from the nostrils ; in front it opens into the mouth ; 

 below it connects with the windpipe, through the glottis, and 

 with the gullet, which, as we have seen, lies just back of the 

 windpipe. 



