CHAPTER XV. 



THE SENSE OF SMELL. 



1. -TiiE sense of smell takes cognizance of the odorous 

 properties of bodies.) The seat, or organ, is the mucous 

 membrane, which lines the nasal cavities, and is called the 

 schneiderian, or pituitary membrane.; It is covered with 

 nervous papillae, similar to, but more delicate than those 

 which cover the organ of taste. \ These cavities open an- 

 teriorily through the external nostrils, and posteriorly into 

 the fauces or throat, to permit the air to traverse them in 

 its passage to the lungs. .The nasal organ seems to be 

 designed for the purpose of collecting the odorous particles ; 

 and it is divided into two similar cavities, by a bony parti- 

 tion, called the vomer, which is extended by means of cartilage 

 to the anterior extremity of the nose. Each nostril contains 



Front view of the nasal fossae. 



