THE TONGUE 47 



case it is usual to notch the organ on either side at the level of the seat 

 of section. When using this instrument there is less haemorrhage from 

 the small muscular vessels, but the operator should proceed carefully 

 when approaching the lingual artery, since even when this method 

 of amputation is adopted, it is frequently necessary to ligature the 

 vessel, as it is not always effectively closed by the process of crushing 

 with the ecraseur. 



The above is a description of the operation when amputation is 

 performed near the root of the tongue. In operating nearer the tip of 

 the organ we have also to cut through the stylo-glossus muscle, which is 

 applied to the outer surface of the great hyo-glossus. In this situation 

 the lingual and hypo-glossal nerves run along the superior and 

 inferior borders respectively of the stylo-glossus muscle. The lingual 

 artery is placed on the deep face of the great hyo-glossus muscle and 

 between it and the middle hyo-glossus. 



THE SOFT PALATE 



This may be looked upon as a continuation posteriorly of the hard 

 or osseous palate. It is disposed after the manner of a valve which, 

 excepting during the act of deglutition, completely shuts off the cavity 

 of the mouth from that of the pharynx. It takes a direction which is 

 obliquely downwards and backwards, extending from the hard palate to 

 the base of the epiglottis. 



Its anterior or inferior face looks downwards and forwards towards 

 the cavity of the mouth, whilst its posterior or superior face forms the 

 anterior boundary of the pharynx. Its anterior border is firmly attached 

 to the posterior edge of those parts of the palatine bones which enter 

 into the formation of the hard palate, but its posterior border is free, and 

 closely embraces the base of the epiglottis. 



The lateral borders of the soft palate are attached to the walls of the 



