428 STRUCTURE OF THE SKIN 



They describe them, see tig. 112, as arising by isolated radicles 

 from the under part of the grooves of the epidermis, and not 

 opening to the surface ; the fluids which they take up getting 

 into their cavities by previous imbibition through the outer 

 cuticular covering. In passing downwards towards the derm, 

 they are in company with the sudoriferous ducts, and in the 

 substance of the derm, becomes continuous with the common 



absorbent vessels.* 



Fig. 114.t 



yilr«|p' 



Blennogenous Apparatus, 

 — Or organs that produce the mucous substance, which, in 

 its first soft condition, forms the mucous body, heretofore 

 known under the name of rete mucosum, and which, hardened 

 upon the surface constitutes the horny matter of the epidermis. 



* The existence of these absorbent vessels immediately beneath the cuticle 

 and on the upper surface of the dermis, has been demonstrated by Tiedemann, 

 Fohman, and Lauth. Breschet asserts the discovery of an additional structure, 

 in his inhaling apparatus, arising in the corneous tissue. — p. 



t Fig. 114. — a, Chromatogenous organ torn in two places, b and c, to show 

 the escape of the scales, and the thread-like vessels of which this organ is 

 composed, d, Its small excretory canals, torn in removing the corneous mat- 

 ter, e, Blennogenous or mucous gland, which throws its secretion above the 

 chromatogenous organ. ' /, Fluid state of the corneous matter, that is to say, 

 pigmentum or scales floating in the midst of mucus, (rete mucosum of Mal- 

 pighi.) s, Layers of corneous or horny matter stratified to the right and left, 

 mote and more condensed, the nearer they approach the surface. Into the 

 mucous gland is seen running a sanguineous vessel, and round it are placed a 

 number of little whitish granules. 



